Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed Senate Bill No. 1409 seeking to abolish the travel tax, saying it restricts Filipinos’ right to travel and makes tourism less affordable.
Tulfo cited the 2002 ASEAN Tourism Agreement, which promotes free and easier travel among member countries. “Nearly fourteen years since the Philippines signed the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, we still impose this travel tax,” he said.
Currently, travelers pay from P1,620 to P2,700 for regular tickets, with reduced rates for OFW dependents.
Tulfo argued that removing the tax would make travel more equitable and help the country compete with other Southeast Asian destinations.
“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,” he said.
The senator added that making travel more accessible will not only create good experiences but also broaden Filipinos’ exposure to other cultures.IMT
