President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has endorsed the proposed abolition of the travel tax, identifying it as one of 21 priority measures he wants Congress to pass by June, Malacañang said Tuesday.
The proposal was raised during a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, where the President underscored the measure as a way to reduce costs, address regulatory gaps, and deliver direct benefits to Filipinos.
“The President sees travel tax abolition as a boost to tourism and a relief for Filipinos who travel not just for leisure, but also for work and emergencies,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
The administration’s priority legislative agenda also includes stronger laws against online child sexual abuse, measures to combat fake news, legislation governing elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and updates on the long-delayed anti-political dynasty bill, which is currently undergoing nationwide consultations.
Responding to concerns from tourism stakeholders, Castro said revenues currently generated from the travel tax—which support tourism infrastructure, education, and cultural programs—will be sourced from the national budget once the proposed abolition is enacted.