FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has settled with the Bureau of Internal Revenue the tax obligations on earnings from his boxing career, commercial endorsements, and other sources of income for 2008, more than two months ahead of the April 15 deadline.

In a statement, the BIR said Pacquiao visited Internal Revenue Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV last Jan. 23 to personally file his 2008 income tax return and at the same time settle his tax obligations.

BIR officials refused to divulge the amount paid by Pacquiao who made millions of dollars last year after defeating Oscar “Golden Boy” de la Hoya last Dec. 4, David Diaz last June 28, and Juan Manuel Marquez last March 15.

He also earned more from various commercial endorsements—such as Nike, San Miguel, fast-food giant McDonald’s, Alaxan, Talk n Text, apparel maker No Fear—and as a talent of GMA-7 and other recording and movie contracts.

Esquivias encouraged the taxpaying public to emulate Pacquiao, who is also called the “Pambansang Kamao,” by paying their taxes and settling their obligations as early as possible and avoiding the usual crush of people rushing to beat the deadline.

He pointed out that banks would be open on April 4 to accommodate taxpayers before the deadline since the second week is a Holy Week.

Revenue District Offices would also set up filing centers in selected places all over the country to assist taxpayers in filing their income tax returns.

Pacquiao’s tax payment was transferred from his hometown in General Santos City to the central office of the BIR in Quezon City during the term of Commissioner Jose Mario Buñag in 2007. Lawrence Agcaoili