Remove economy class travel tax – Tulfo

MANILA, Philippines — Travel taxes imposed on Filipinos flying economy should be removed, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Tulfo’s Senate Bill 88 highlights how the travel tax places an undue financial burden on economy-class passengers.

“This is compounded by the already heavy tax obligations imposed on Filipino citizens, including income and consumption taxes,” he pointed out.

Tulfo clarified that his proposed measure does not seek to abolish travel tax, but “merely introduces a more equitable structure by retaining the imposition of travel tax on passengers traveling through business class or higher, whose financial standing affords them greater capacity to contribute to national development.”

“The government shall continue to secure the necessary resources for TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), the CHED (Commission on Higher Education) and NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), ensuring the sustainability of essential programs and projects, while alleviating the financial strain on the average Filipino traveler,” Tulfo said.