Rica Peralejo exasperated over BIR requirement amid corruption issues

Rica Peralejo has expressed her frustration over a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) requirement for content creators, online sellers, e-commerce platforms and other  digital platform operators.

The bureau is requiring Rica and all content creators to display a BIR Registration Seal Badge on their social media accounts and other online platforms. She voiced her concerns amid  issues on alleged corruption and the use of public funds.

In a recent post on Threads, Rica shared her disappointment over having to provide further proof of tax compliance despite paying taxes for decades. 

“Buong buhay ko as artista ako ay nagbabayad ng buwis. Then isang araw sasabihin need ng seal at iba pa raw yung sa artista at sa content creator or social media. Kailangang may patunay pa,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, the BIR has extended the deadline for displaying the Registration Seal Badge to October 31, 2026. The extension covers online sellers, merchants, digital platform operators, and other covered taxpayers operating through websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts, and other digital channels.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 99-2026, the BIR reiterated the requirements under Revenue Regulations Nos. 7-2024 and 15-2024, giving covered taxpayers more time to obtain and properly display their registration seals.

The agency explained that the badge serves as visible proof of registration, allowing consumers to verify whether businesses operating online are registered with the bureau. It also clarified that covered taxpayers who have yet to display the seal may comply by the extended deadline without incurring penalties solely for failing to display it during the extension period.

Rica questioned why taxpayers who have consistently fulfilled their obligations must still provide additional proof of compliance. The former child actress, now 45, said she has been paying taxes since she was 13 and expressed frustration over the requirement to display the seal on her platforms by October 31.

“And all of this would have been ok if only hindi tayo ninanakawan. Yung mga magnanakaw walang need patunayan pero ako na nagbabayad ng buwis ever since I was 13 years of age to now, 45, hanggang October 31 ang deadline para sa seal na kailangang ipaskil sa aking platforms,” she added.

She also voiced her frustration over what she sees as a lack of accountability for taxpayers’ money.

“Para sa akin sobrang nakakainsulto yung pakiramdam. In the thick of nanakawan tayo… tapos ganito,” she lamented.

“Like talaga ba? Parang sana onting update muna naman, like ano na ba nangyari sa mga binayaran kong lifestyle ng mga corrupt kong leaders? May tax break ba ako if napondohan ko yung gala nila sa ibang bansa at luxury bags?” 

She summed up her sentiments with the remark, “Ang sakit maging Pilipino.”

Rica has frequently used her social media platforms to speak out on social, cultural, and political issues in the Philippines.