Marcos exempts travel tax for BIMP-EAGA travelers

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the exemption of travel tax for passengers departing from all international airports and seaports in Mindanao and Palawan heading to BIMP-EAGA areas.

The exemption, which took effect on August 6 and will last until June 30, 2028, unless sooner revoked, applies to travelers going to three ASEAN destinations within the BIMP-EAGA region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.

Marcos signed Memorandum Order No. 29 based on a recommendation from the House of Representatives through House Resolution No. 61 dated March 21, 2023.

The tax exemption also extends to passengers with confirmed connecting flights within 24 hours when no direct flights are available.

Passengers can secure a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno stated that this move will accelerate economic growth in Mindanao and Palawan by reducing travel costs and encouraging investments.