Sen. Erwin Tulfo files bill seeking to abolish travel tax
Sen. Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to abolish the imposition of a travel tax on Filipino travelers, which he believes has "burdened" the right to go abroad.
In the Philippines, travel tax is a fee imposed by the government on individuals leaving the country. Depending on the passage, Filipino adults typically pay a full travel tax amounting to P2,700 for first class and P1,620 for economy.
This is reduced for certain travelers, such as dependents of overseas Filipino workers.
Under Senate Bill No. 1409, Tulfo wants to remove the collection of travel tax, citing the ASEAN Tourism Agreement signed back in 2002, which mandates the removal of travel levies and taxes on nationals of ASEAN Member States.
"Nearly fourteen years after its signing, such travel taxes continue to be imposed. This measure represents a concrete step toward ensuring that travel becomes more equitable, accessible, and reasonably priced for Filipinos," Tulfo said in his explanatory note.
"Likewise, the responsibility of strengthening tourism programs and infrastructure rests with the national government and should not be shifted to taxpayers, who already contribute substantially through various forms of taxation," he added.
Should the bill be passed, the collection of travel taxes would subsequently be prohibited. For flights that are scheduled on or after the effectivity of the act, the travel taxes paid will be refunded immediately.
Currently, 50% of the travel tax collections go to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, 40% to the Commission on Higher Education, and 10% to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
If the travel tax is abolished, the measure states that the amount necessary for the programs will be charged to the respective appropriations under the current General Appropriations Act.
Most airlines already include the travel tax in the total ticket price when you book your flight online or through a travel agent. If it’s not included in your ticket, you can pay online before your flight via the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
You can also settle it on the day of your flight at a TIEZA Travel Tax counter available at airports.