Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos has filed a bill seeking to abolish the travel tax imposed on airline passengers, saying it has become an unnecessary burden on ordinary Filipinos.
In filing House Bill No. 7443, Marcos said the levy no longer fits present economic realities and only adds to the cost of travel for Filipinos who fly for work, family, or livelihood.
“The travel tax was created in a very different economic context. Today, it has become an added cost that restricts mobility and weighs heavily on ordinary Filipinos who simply want to travel for work, family or opportunity,” Marcos said.
Under existing rules, airline passengers are required to pay ₱2,700 for first class and ₱1,620 for economy class travel. Marcos argued that higher travel costs limit movement, spending, and economic opportunities.
“When travel becomes more expensive, fewer people move, fewer people spend, and fewer opportunities circulate through the economy. Lowering the cost of travel allows Filipino families to allocate their money where it matters most,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that air travel is no longer a luxury for many Filipinos.
“Travel is not a luxury for many Filipinos,” he added. “It is part of how families stay connected and how workers sustain their livelihoods.”
Marcos also noted that several ASEAN countries have already removed similar levies to encourage tourism and trade, warning that retaining the travel tax could put the Philippines at a disadvantage.
“A tax that discourages travel also discourages growth. If our neighbors are opening doors and reducing barriers, we should not be holding on to policies that place us at a disadvantage,” he said.
To address concerns over lost revenue, Marcos proposed covering affected programs through regular budget allocations.
“Public programs should be sustained through transparent budgeting, not through charges that disproportionately affect travelers. This approach ensures continuity of funding while removing an unnecessary burden on the public,” he added.