Senator Raffy Tulfo has renewed his call for the passage of a measure seeking to exempt economy class passengers from paying the travel tax, citing the growing financial burden on ordinary Filipino travelers.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, filed Senate Bill No. 88, which underscores how the travel tax disproportionately affects Filipinos who fly economy class and travel on a budget.
“It cannot be denied that the ordinary Filipino traveler, particularly those who travel on economy class, bears an undue financial burden because of travel tax,” Tulfo said.
He noted that this burden is worsened by other mandatory taxes shouldered by citizens.
“This is compounded by the already heavy tax obligations imposed on Filipino citizens, including income and consumption taxes. In recognition of these circumstances, this legislative measure seeks to exempt economy class passengers from the payment of travel tax,” he added.
Tulfo clarified that the proposed measure does not seek to abolish the travel tax entirely. Instead, it aims to make the system fairer.
According to him, it “merely introduces a more equitable structure by retaining the imposition of travel tax on passengers traveling via business class or higher, whose financial standing affords them greater capacity to contribute to national development.”
He also assured that the bill will not deprive government agencies of funding.
“The government shall continue to secure the necessary resources for TIEZA, CHED, and the NCCA, ensuring the sustainability of essential programs and projects, while alleviating the financial strain on the average Filipino traveler,” Tulfo said.