Senator Mark Villar seeks abolition of travel tax for outbound Filipinos

Senator Mark A. Villar is urging the Senate to fast-track a bill seeking to abolish the travel tax imposed on Filipinos traveling abroad, calling the decades-old levy an outdated burden on citizens.

Under Senate Bill No. 1870, or the proposed “Travel Tax Abolition Act,” the government and private entities would be prohibited from collecting the fee once enacted. Additionally, passengers who prepaid the tax for flights scheduled on or after the law takes effect would be entitled to full refunds.

Villar argued that outbound travel should no longer be treated as a luxury. Introduced in 1977 under Presidential Decree No. 1183, the current policy charges Filipino outbound passengers ₱1,620 for economy-class tickets and ₱2,700 for first-class tickets.

“Leaving the country should not be an added burden, especially for Filipinos traveling to work, study, seek medical treatment, conduct business, or reunite with their families,” Villar said in Tagalog. “It is time to abolish the travel tax and return this money to our countrymen for their essential needs.”

For a family of four flying economy class, the tax totals ₱6,480—an amount Villar noted could otherwise cover basic travel expenses like meals, lodging, and medicine amid rising inflation.

Addressing concerns over funding losses, Villar emphasized that the measure includes safeguards to protect beneficiary institutions. Currently, travel tax revenues are split among the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (50%), the Commission on Higher Education for tourism programs (40%), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (10%).

Under the proposal, these sector programs would instead be funded through the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“We will continue to support tourism, education, and culture, but funding should not come from an extra charge on traveling Filipinos,” Villar added. “These are national programs that belong in the national budget.”

Villar noted that repealing the tax aligns with the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, which aims to facilitate seamless cross-border travel and strengthen regional connectivity.

-Paraluman News