By Maria Katrina Segui
Multi-talented actor Mikael Daez sat down for a virtual junket on Thursday as he renewed ties with GMA, marking his 11th year in the network. As one of the pioneering celebrity vloggers in the country, the Kapuso actor also took a stand on the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) recent tax memorandum for digital content creators.
“I think yung saying na ‘death and taxes are inevitable’ sa buhay natin, ‘di ba? And to a certain extent, that’s true but I think we have to understand our government system, the tax system is also evolving,” the actor shared with the press.
And if that’s what the government requires and there are taxes to be paid because vlogging is turning into a business as well, then I think it’s up to us to be responsible in our obligations as Filipinos because it’s just fair. Hindi siya parang, ‘ay siya ‘di niya kailangan magbayad ng tax,’”
With a Youtube channel established in 2014, Mikael emphasized how content creation has advanced into a legitimate career option today compared to how it was perceived back then. “If we look back five years ago and say that I’m a Youtuber, nganga na lang tayo parang, ‘ano ’yon?’ But now I think there are schools and courses on how to be a professional Youtuber.”
The 33-year-old actor also strongly advised that educating oneself on such matters is important.
“I think right now, it’s a transition period and all players involved—people from the government, YouTubers, and digital players alike— we need to start educating ourselves in being aware. I also try to be aware so I can be ready to fulfill my obligation. So that’s my stand on it. It’s just like when I got into showbiz, ‘di ko alam na ‘ay kailangan pala nito.’”
The BIR imposed the tax order or the Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 97-2021 on content creators after receiving reports of influencers not declaring income taxes. The memorandum was issued to clarify the tax obligations of social media personalities on all platforms and to remind them of the possible consequences of their failure to pay their taxes.
Meanwhile, Mikael felt grateful to stay in his home network and said that each contract signing is his proudest moment as a Kapuso.
“I’ve been working in GMA for 11 years now and it’s very rewarding. It makes me proud that I’ve been able to show that I am worthy of their trust,” he said.
“Napakalaking bagay para sa akin ng contract signing. Signing lang pero yung meaning niya napaka bigat and it says a lot about who I’ve been as an actor in GMA for the past 11 years. So I guess that’s my proudest moment,” he added.
Mikael is currently co-hosting a podcast with his wife Megan Young called Behind Relationship Goals available on Youtube and Spotify.
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