On Tue, Jan 26, the House of Representatives ways and means committee approved a bill exempting Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach from taxes on her winnings. “The bill was authored by Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez,” reports Marc Jayson Cayabyab on Inquirer.net.
According to the bill, the following are Wurtzbach’s perks as the reigning Miss Universe:
1. year-long salary as Miss Universe
2. luxury accommodations at a New York city apartment as well as living expenses
3. one-year scholarship in the New York Film Academy
4. a year’s supply of hair care product and tools from Farouk Systems, the maker of CHI Haircare
5. footwear from Chinese Laundry Shoes
6. evening wear by Sherri Hill
7. swimwear by Yamamay
8. denim apparel by Carrera Jeans
9. skincare products from IMAGE Skincare
10. a year’s supply of sunless tanning products and services from Bold Sunless Tanning
11. two business-class round trip tickets from US to Asia provided by Delta
12. personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness
13. hair services from John Barrett salon
14. modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
15. representation by Rubenstein Public Relations
16. dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Theliman-Karcher
17. professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot MS
18. dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart
19. casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
20. extensive travel representing sponsors and charity partners
21. access to various New York city events including movie premiers and screenigs, Broadway shows and launch parties
22. year-long consultation with a fashion stylist
23. access to personal appearance wardrobe
The bill had also included the custom designed Miss Unievrse diamond tiara worth USD$300,000 in list of prizes. However, Wurtzbach had pointed out that “the crown cannot be taxed because it was only loaned to her by the Miss Universe Organization.”
The bill to exempt Wutrzbach’s Miss Universe winnings from taxes would now be transmitted to the plenary for amendments and debate. Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. has said he supports the bill.
