Josh Mojica is the founder of Kangkong Chips Original. ARCHIVE

Former Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon has called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to investigate the viral “billionaire” claims of Josh Mojica, founder of Kangkong Chips Original (KCO). An unofficial Facebook page associated with Mojica recently shared a video of him with the caption: “21 years old ‘bilyonaryo na,’ ikaw?” (21 years old and already a billionaire, how about you?). The post was later reshared by Mojica’s official page, but has since been deleted there. Guanzon, tagging the BIR in a post on Thursday (August 21), questioned the claim’s validity. “I thought the youngest billionaire was the owner of Mang Inasal? Why is this kangkong claiming such? Bureau of Internal Revenue, please check this person’s taxes,” he said in Filipino. The BIR, which is tasked to enforce tax laws and ensure proper tax collection, has yet to issue a statement on the matter. Mojica first rose to fame at age 17 when he began selling kangkong (water spinach) chips from his home in Cavite. Inspired by his aunt’s recipe and his late grandfather’s advice to work hard for a better life, Mojica experimented with turning a humble vegetable into a crunchy snack. He started selling to friends in June 2021 and, with the help of his peers, managed to earn over ₱100,000 a month within six months. By the following year, Mojica earned his first million pesos. Today, his business has expanded to a two-storey factory, employing around 100 workers and producing six flavors of kangkong chips. He has  grown his customer base to international markets. Despite his success, Mojica has not been without controversy. In a previous incident, he drew criticism for violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act after filming himself behind the wheel of a sports car on the highway. The latest billionaire claim has reignited discussions on wealth declaration and taxation in the Philippines. In 2022, Senator Win Gatchalian pointed out the lack of progressivity in the country’s tax system, noting that some individuals who publicly declare themselves billionaires are absent from the BIR’s list of top taxpayers. “That’s where you wonder — they are billionaires, yet not on the top taxpayers list,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. He stressed that those who can afford more should contribute more in taxes. CAM/Expat Media
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