Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has filed a measure seeking to abolish the Philippines’ decades-old travel tax, arguing that the policy has become an outdated financial burden that no longer fits today’s realities.
Under Senate Bill No. 1793, or the Travel Tax Abolition Act of 2026, departing Filipinos would no longer be required to pay travel tax fees that can reach ₱2,700 for first-class passengers and ₱1,620 for economy travelers—costs that can add up to more than ₱6,000 for a family of four.
“It is time to abolish the travel tax. It was created… in a very different economic era,” Zubiri said.
“Today, travel is no longer just for leisure. Marami sa ating kababayan ang bumibyahe for work-related events, para mag-aral, para magpagamot o para makasama ang pamilya. So imposing a flat travel tax on every departing Filipino no longer reflects the realities of modern life.”
The bill proposes that revenues currently generated by the travel tax be replaced through direct national budget allocations, ensuring that programs funded by the levy will continue without disruption.
“Kung kaya namang pondohan ng national budget, bakit kailangan pang ipasa ang dagdag na bayarin sa mga kababayan nating bibiyahe?” Zubiri said.
Zubiri also cited the 1987 Constitution’s guarantee of the right to travel, as well as the country’s commitments under international and ASEAN tourism agreements, as reasons to update the policy.
“Kung gusto nating maging globally competitive at mas bukas sa mundo, we must also be fair to our own people,” he said.
“Abolishing the travel tax is a practical step that says we trust Filipinos to travel, explore and seize opportunities without unnecessary financial penalties,” Zubiri added.