Marian Rivera gets nod for doing civic duty

Marian Rivera is being recognized for something far removed from her work in show business.

The actress was named among the top taxpayers of Revenue District Office No. 41 in Mandaluyong City, earning recognition for her contribution to the district’s revenue collections during the first half of 2026.

Rivera shared photos from the recognition ceremony on Instagram on 1 October, where she received a plaque acknowledging her as one of the district’s leading taxpayers. While the specific amount she paid was not disclosed, the actress said the recognition reminded her of the importance of doing her part as a Filipino taxpayer.

The plaque presented to the Kapuso star cited her as one of RDO No. 41-Mandaluyong City’s top taxpayers and acknowledged her contribution to the district’s successful revenue collection during the first semester of the year.

While the amount of taxes Marian paid for the period was not disclosed, the actress said the recognition carried a deeper meaning for her than simply receiving another award.

“Of course, I feel very grateful and honored to receive this recognition,” Marian said in a message to PEP.ph.

For the actress, fulfilling her responsibility as a taxpayer is also one way of contributing to the lives of fellow Filipinos.

“Para sa akin, higit sa award, fulfilling malaman na sa simpleng pagtupad natin ng responsibilidad bilang taxpayer, may naiaambag tayo sa ating bansa at sa kapwa natin Pilipino (For me, more than the award, it is fulfilling to know that simply by fulfilling our responsibilities as taxpayers, we are contributing to our country and to our fellow Filipinos),” she said.

Marian also used the occasion to encourage Filipinos to recognize the importance of paying the correct taxes, emphasizing that contributions of different sizes collectively play a role in nation-building.

“Ang pagbabayad ng tamang buwis ay responsibilidad nating lahat (Paying the correct taxes is everyone's responsibility). Every contribution matters, big or small,” she stressed.

She added that consistently doing one’s part can help create opportunities for future generations.

“Sana patuloy nating gawin ang ating bahagi nang tama at tapat, dahil sa sarili nating paraan, nakakatulong tayo sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa at sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa susunod na henerasyon (I hope we continue to do our part correctly and faithfully, because in our own way, we are contributing to our country's progress and a better future for the next generation).”

The latest recognition continues Marian’s history of being cited among prominent Filipino taxpayers. She previously appeared on Bureau of Internal Revenue lists of leading individual taxpayers, including in 2008.

In 2009, she reportedly ranked 62nd after paying approximately P10.12 million in taxes. The following year, she remained among the country’s top individual taxpayers, while in 2014 she again appeared on the list, reportedly paying around P19 million.

Years later, the recognition from RDO No. 41 brings the spotlight back to a different side of Marian’s success. Rather than focusing on celebrity status, she views the honor as a reminder of an obligation shared by taxpayers.

For Marian, the plaque may carry her name, but the message she wants attached to it is much broader: contributing responsibly, whether big or small, is one-way Filipinos can participate in building the country’s future.