Sen. Tulfo files bill to abolish travel tax

Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed Senate Bill No. 1409 to abolish the travel tax, arguing it restricts the public's right to travel and contradicts the Philippines' commitments under the ASEAN Tourism Agreement.

He stated that the Philippines, despite signing the agreement in 2002 to promote freer movement of travelers within the region, still imposes a travel tax.

Tulfo believes that travel should be more equitable, accessible, and reasonably priced for Filipinos.

The bill proposes to repeal existing laws that govern the collection of travel tax, including the Tourism Board Law, the Higher Education Act, and the Tourism Act of 2009.

Currently, travel tax rates vary from P1,620 to P2,700 for economy to first-class passage, with reduced rates for specific individuals like dependents of overseas Filipino workers.

The bill also states that the government, not taxpayers, should be responsible for funding tourism programs and infrastructure, as citizens already contribute significantly through other taxes.

Travel tax revenue is currently allocated with 50% going 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.