Vice Ganda Questions Where Taxes Go
VICE GANDA – The comedian and television host made a bold statement regarding the recent collapse of a bridge in Isabela.
His remarks came as he was recognized as a top taxpayer by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) during an event at a mall in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 4. In a social media post about the event, Vice Ganda expressed his gratitude, writing: “Maraming salamat sa pagkilala sa akin bilang TOP TAXPAYER in BIR Quezon City for 2024.”
However, beyond expressing appreciation, he also emphasized the importance of accountability in tax spending. “Obligasyon nating magbayad ng buwis, at obligasyon din nating itanong kung saan napupunta ito,” he stated.
Vice Ganda further stressed that taxation is not a privilege but a responsibility, and taxpayers have the right to demand transparency from the government. “Obligasyon ito, hindi ito pribilehiyo. Ito ay obligasyon. Kaya kung obligasyon nating magbayad, karapatan din nating obligahin ang mga tatanggap at gagamit ng mga perang ibinabayad natin dahil hindi madali kung paano natin kinita ang ipambabayad natin ng buwis,” he added.
His speech took a more pointed turn when he referenced the recent collapse of the newly constructed Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Cabagan, Isabela. “Lahat po tayo ay nagbabayad ng buwis… sa bawat kilos natin, nagbabayad tayo ng buwis… at dahil sa nagbabayad tayo ng buwis, meron tayong karapatan na tanungin din, ‘Nasaan ‘yong binayad nating buwis?’ Pagkatapos po nating magbayad ng buwis, tatanungin natin, ‘Nasaan na po ‘yong quality of life?’ ‘Nasaan na po ‘yong projects?’ ‘Nasaan na po ‘yong tulay?’ ‘Bakit po bumagsak ‘yong tulay sa Isabela?’ Karapatan natin ‘yon,” he asserted.
The audience erupted in applause, showing support for his message, while BIR officials on stage appeared to agree with his sentiments.
Related Post: P1.2 Billion Bridge in Isabela Collapses