Travel tax abolition sought

A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to abolish the country’s travel tax, which he describes as an outdated policy that limits the constitutional right of Filipinos to travel freely.

Under Senate Bill No. 1409, Senator Erwin Tulfo aims to remove the travel tax imposed on all Filipino travelers. He argues the tax is inconsistent with the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, which the Philippines signed in 2002 to promote seamless regional travel.

“Nearly 14 years since the Philippines signed the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, we still impose this travel tax,” Tulfo said in a statement Sunday. “If we really want to improve the country’s tourism sector and be at par with our neighboring Southeast Asian countries, we have to remove these barriers that disempower Filipinos to travel.”

The travel tax currently ranges from P1,620 to P2,700 for economy and first-class passage, with reduced rates applying to specific groups, including dependents of overseas Filipino workers.

It is a significant source of funding for three agencies — 50 percent of revenues are allocated to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, 40 percent to the Commission on Higher Education, and the remaining 10 percent to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Despite the loss of revenue for education, tourism infrastructure, and cultural programs, Tulfo maintained that easing travel restrictions would ultimately benefit both Filipinos and the local tourism industry in the long run.

He argued that abolishing the tax would make travel more “equitable, accessible, and reasonably priced” for Filipinos, adding that exposure to other countries can enrich the nation’s cultural awareness and global competitiveness.

“Filipinos deserve a better travel experience that could render not only good memories but also better expose them to various cultures around the world,” said the senator.