Actress Bela Padilla earned praise from Filipinos for raising a concern to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over hefty import fees.
The showbiz personality shared her experience online after using the BOC’s online calculator to determine the tax due on a shipment worth P11,000.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bela tagged the BOC and noted that she was being charged P4,600, even though the bureau’s online calculator indicated the correct amount was only P1,650.
“I more or less know when the taxes are too high, even without your calculator. Surely, we shouldn’t pay almost half of the value of our item in taxes, no?” the actress added.
Bela said that she usually shops online for higher-value items, giving an idea of the expected taxes on her purchases.
In the comments section, Bela disclosed that her purchases were shampoo and skincare products. She added that she calculated the tax at 15%, guided by the amount listed on the agency’s website, which indicated a tax due of P1,650.
Bela clarified that she does not mind paying the correct taxes, but has no intention of paying over P4,600 for shampoo.
The BOC, in response, said in a report that it has already taken down the online calculator, admitting that it was inaccurate.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said he spoke with the actress’ manager to apologize and clarify what happened with her import duties.
He explained that items such as freight costs and documentary stamps are included in the online calculator.
In Bela’s case, he added, the freight cost was applied even though she was entitled to free shipping.
“Hindi po alam ng BOC ‘yun. Hindi niya kasalanan ‘yun. We and DHL must have better connectivity to reflect the correct computation and billing,” Nepomuceno said, referring to the global logistics firm.
Bela, meanwhile, expressed her satisfaction that “someone listened” and took her complaints seriously.
“Takeaways: 1. A lot of people are experiencing the same thing. Hundreds of people shared their own parcel stories. 2. Transparency. Why are there no breakdowns when we’re being charged fees that go as high as nearly half of our parcels value?” she wrote on Sunday, August 17.
“Happy Sunday, guys, I hope I finally get my shampoo soon,” the actress added with a laughing emoji.
Takeaways: 1. A lot of people are experiencing the same thing. Hundreds of people shared their own parcel stories. 2. Transparency. Why are there no breakdowns when we’re being charged fees that go as high as nearly half of our parcels value? 3. A lot of people don’t read and…
— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) August 17, 2025
“… and lastly, I was told that the calculator is being taken down for the time being until it’s updated. Happy that someone listened today and UNDERSTOOD that taxpayers expect good service,” Bela said in another post.
…and lastly, I was told that the calculator is being taken down for the time being until it’s updated. 🙏🏻 happy that someone listened today and UNDERSTOOD that taxpayers expect good service 👍🏻
— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) August 17, 2025
Some Filipinos online thanked her for using her platform to voice tax concerns to the BOC.
“Thanks and KUDOS TO YOU, @padillabela,” an online user wrote with a folded hands emoji.
“SALAMAT SA BUHAY AT CAREER MO, BELA. Imagine kung wala ka (o kayo), mahina ang boses ng mga underprivileged. Mamatay na sana lahat ng corrupt sa Pilipinas!” another said.
“Thank you for being the voice, Ms. Bela!” a different online user wrote.
“Hopefully, maging wake up call ito sa Customs and couriers. Dapat talaga lagi sila ma-callout ng mga public personalities para napapansin. Thank you!” another Pinoy commented.
Last month, Kapuso actress Carla Abellana was also dubbed the “Patron Saint of Concerned Citizens” by online Filipinos for calling out a water and an internet service provider over their services.
Filipinos thanked her for using her influence to demand better services and for speaking up on behalf of those who faced similar issues. — with reports from Philstar.com/Kathleen Llemit
