House Awards Congressional Medal Of Honor To Wurtzbach

House of Representatives on Tuesday awarded Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Guest and 173 House members who responded to a quorum gave a big round of applause as House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed in the medal to Wurtzbach.

Wurtzbach helped the House leadership to muster the needed quorum to pass important measures.

The newly crowned Miss Universe also welcomed the approved House measure granting her tax exemption on all her winnings and prizes.

Under House Bill No. 6367, filed by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and Maximo Rodriguez of Abante Mindanao, received the nod of the members of the ways and means committee after a hearing amid reservations manifested by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which was represented by its commissioner, Kim Henares.

“In view of the tremendous achievement of Kagay-anon Ms. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines by winning the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, it is only right that all her winnings and prizes be exempt from any form of taxes and duties,” the bill said.

The tax exemptions will cover her prizes, including year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; one year scholarship from the New York Film Academy; year’s supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk System, the makers of CHI Haircare; new custom diamond tiara designed by DIC worth USD300,000; shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; evening wear by Sherri Hill; swim wear by Yamamay, denim by Carrera Jeans; skin care products from Image skin care.

Year’s worth of sunless tanning products and services from Bold Sunless Tanning; two business class round-trip tickets to travel from USA to Asia provided by Delta; personal services, including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; representation by Rubenstein Public Relations; dermatology and skin care services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; year-long consultation with a fashion stylist; and, access to a personal appearance wardrobe.

The Philippines has a tax treaty with the United States that shields taxpayers who earned their income in both countries from double taxation. (PNA) RMA/SFM