MANILA, Philippines — Traveling abroad could soon become more affordable for Filipinos if a new legislative proposal aimed at abolishing the mandatory travel tax gains traction in Congress.
Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who is eyeing a return to the Senate, has filed a bill that seeks to remove the travel tax imposed on Filipino citizens. Currently, most Filipinos departing for international destinations are required to pay a fee ranging from ₱1,620 for economy class to ₱2,700 for first-class passengers.
Pangilinan argues that the tax, which has been in place for decades, is an unnecessary burden on “Juan dela Cruz,” especially for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students, and middle-class families who save up for years to travel.
“The right to travel should not be taxed,” the former senator stated. He pointed out that while the funds collected are meant to support the tourism industry and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the government should find alternative ways to fund these sectors without directly penalizing traveling citizens.
The proposal comes at a time when the Philippine travel industry is seeing a massive resurgence. Proponents of the bill believe that removing the tax would not only ease the financial load on travelers but also encourage more Filipinos to explore international opportunities and leisure, ultimately benefiting the economy through increased aviation activity.
However, the bill is expected to face scrutiny regarding the potential loss of revenue. Currently, travel tax collections contribute billions of pesos annually to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other government programs. Critics worry that without a clear alternative funding source, cultural heritage and tourism development projects could suffer.
As the legislative session progresses, the debate over the “travel tax abolition” is expected to heat up, pitting the convenience of the Filipino traveler against the fiscal requirements of the nation’s tourism departments.