A Philippine senator is pushing to abolish the travel tax for outbound Filipino passengers, arguing that it limits mobility and contradicts the country’s ASEAN commitments.
Aligning with Regional Goals
According to PhilStar Global, Senator Erwin Tulfo said the current travel tax, which applies to all Filipinos except exempt groups, runs counter to the ASEAN Tourism Agreement. The Philippines signed this agreement in 2002 to encourage freer movement across Southeast Asia.
“Nearly 14 years since the Philippines signed the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, we still impose travel tax,” Tulfo said. He added that removing it would make travel “more equitable, accessible, and reasonably priced for Filipinos.”
Current Rates and Exemptions
At present, travelers pay between PHP1,620 ($27.63) and PHP2,700 ($46.03), depending on ticket class. Meanwhile, dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) enjoy reduced rates ranging from PHP300 ($5.13) to PHP1,350 ($23).
Where the Funds Go
Currently, 50% of travel-tax revenues go to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 40% to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and 10% to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Encouraging Regional Mobility
Ultimately, Tulfo’s proposal seeks to align the Philippines with its ASEAN neighbors that have already removed similar taxes. By doing so, the country could strengthen regional tourism links, promote affordable travel, and make international trips more accessible to Filipino citizens.
