Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon has called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to look into the finances of 21-year-old entrepreneur Josh Mojica, founder of Kangkong Chips Original (KCO), after a Facebook post described him as a “billionaire.”
On August 18, an unofficial page of KCO posted a video of Mojica with the caption: “21 years old ‘bilyonaryo na,’ ikaw?” The content was reportedly reshared by Mojica’s official page, but later disappeared. The post, however, remains visible on the unofficial account.
Guanzon was quick to react, tagging the BIR in her own social media post: “Akala ko ang youngest billionaire ay may-ari ng Mang Inasal? Ba’t nag-ca-claim itong si Kangkong? Bureau of Internal Revenue Philippines, paki-check nga ang taxes ng tao na ‘yan.”
The BIR, tasked with collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws, has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
This latest controversy follows Mojica’s recent suspension by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for 90 days after he posted a video of himself using a mobile phone while driving a Porsche on the highway. He is currently facing administrative complaints for reckless driving and violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, with the LTO warning that his license could even be revoked.
Mojica first gained public attention as a young businessman who turned deep-fried kangkong (water spinach) chips into a viral snack brand. But his self-proclaimed “billionaire” status has sparked questions about transparency and accountability.
The issue also ties into broader concerns on tax compliance among the ultra-rich. In 2022, Senator Win Gatchalian raised alarm over the gap between the number of wealthy individuals in the country and the absence of many from the BIR’s list of top income taxpayers. “At doon ka magtataka dahil bilyonaryo sila, pero wala sila sa top taxpayers list. Meron talagang dapat ayusin sa sistema natin para ‘yung may kaya o ‘yung mayayaman ay mas mataas ang babayaran nila,” he said, stressing the need for a progressive tax system where the wealthy shoulder a larger share.
