Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach made a courtesy call at the Malacañang Palace today, January 26th, and was able to meet the President Benigno Aquino III. Pia was accompanied by her mother, National Director Stella Marquez de Araneta and Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart.
After her courtesy call at the Presidential Palace, Pia headed to meet the mayors of the city of Makati and Quezon. She later proceeded to the House of Representatives where she was officially commended for her achievements through House Resolution No. 2579. A similar resolution was also given to Pia during her visit to the Philippine Senate last Monday. A bill to exempt her winnings from taxes was also overwhelmingly approved by the legislators.
Prior to the homecoming of Pia, the chief of the Philippine revenue office told the media that Pia should pay the taxes for her winnings. It has become a topic in the news media particularly because it appears that the revenue office seems to be very enthusiastic in extracting the taxes when in fact Pia brought honors to the country. Some cited the fact that the late Marina Zuluaga of Colombia was tax exempt for life because she won her country’s first Miss Universe gown.
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