MANILA, Philippines — Actor and entrepreneur Alden Richards was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Individual Taxpayers during the 2026 South Luzon Cluster Tax Campaign Kickoff organized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Richards on Feb. 27 received the recognition under Revenue District Office No. 57 West Laguna of Revenue Region 9B LaQueMar. He was among outstanding taxpayers honored from 19 revenue district offices across Revenue Regions 9A CaBaMiRo, 9B LaQueMar and 10 Bicol Region.
The event, part of the BIR’s annual tax campaign activities, highlighted individuals and businesses that demonstrated strong compliance with tax obligations. A total of 19 district offices presented their top taxpayers, reflecting what the bureau described as continued cooperation between the agency and stakeholders across the South Luzon cluster.
During the ceremony, Richards expressed support for the BIR’s initiatives and stressed the importance of transparency and timely payment of taxes.
“We show our support for the BIR’s campaigns by being transparent and by paying the correct taxes, especially paying them on time,” Richards said in his speech as shared by Sparkle GMA Artist Center on Instagram.
“As public figures, we need to set a good example. It is our moral and legal obligation as Filipinos, and one way of helping the community through nation-building,” he added.
The actor was also cited as one of the country’s Most Valuable Taxpayers for 2025 during the 2026 tax campaign kickoff held at the Jose Rizal Coliseum.
In a speech during the event, Richards said the recognition represents more than a personal achievement.
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be recognized as one of your most valuable taxpayers of 2025. This award is not just a personal achievement. It is also a reminder of our shared responsibility as citizens of our country,” he said.
Richards emphasized that paying taxes plays a key role in supporting government programs and services.
“I believe that paying the right taxes is more than just a legal obligation. It is a commitment to nation-building,” he said.
He noted that tax contributions help fund education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services that benefit communities nationwide.
“When we pay our taxes honestly and on time, we actively take part in shaping a better future for every Filipino,” Richards said.
The actor also said he hopes the recognition encourages others, particularly in the private sector and the entertainment industry, to comply with tax obligations.
“I hope that through this recognition, more individuals, especially those in the private sector and the entertainment industry, will be encouraged to fulfill their tax obligations faithfully and transparently,” he said.
He added, “Being a responsible taxpayer is something we should all take pride in. We should be proud of being taxpayers.”
Beyond his acting career, Richards has expanded his business interests through his holding firm, Myriad Entertainment Corporation, with ventures spanning entertainment, food and real estate.
He also enrolled last year in an aviation school in Pampanga as part of his training to become a pilot.