Pia Wurtzbach on Sunday said she was willing to pay taxes on her earnings as the most beautiful woman in the Universe.
In an exclusive interview with the Inquirer Lifestyle, the reigning Miss Universe said she had never missed paying taxes.
“I am aware just like any employee that I have to pay taxes. I have never (missed it) when I was with ABS-CBN, Binibining Pilipinas. When I start working in the US, I’d be doing that as well,” Wurtzbach said.
She said the Philippine government cannot tax her $300,000 gem-encrusted crown because it was only on loan to her as the reigning queen.
“I don’t think they can tax me for something that’s not mine. This is on loan,” Wurtzbach told the Inquirer, holding up her crown.
In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a resolution seeking to exempt Wurtzbach from paying taxes.
The resolution would also seek to congratulate the beauty queen and bestow upon her the title Ambassador of Good Will.
Wurtzbach, 26, is a Filipino-German beauty raised in Cagayan De Oro City.
Rodriguez said the resolution would also seek tax exemption for Wurtzbach’s gem-studded crown.
The crown crafted in the Czech Republic costs $300,000 and comprises of diamonds, blue topaz, blue sapphire, crystal, and gold.
“The more the crown should not be taxed! Since the (gems) are part of the crown that should be exempt to acknowledge and give honor to her,” Rodriguez said.
Wurtzbach is the third Filipina to win the title, ending a title drought of 42 years for the Philippines.
The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969.
Wurtzbach won the most awkward Miss Universe in history after its host Steve Harvey wrongly crowned Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez. Gutierrez had to be decrowned on live telecast to give way to the rightful queen.