A LAWMAKER on Tuesday called for the swift passage of a bill abolishing the travel tax, saying the measure would help reduce travel costs for Filipino families ahead of the holiday season.
In a statement, Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, said the P1,620 travel tax paid by passengers subject to the full economy-class rate adds to the expenses of families traveling abroad to visit relatives or go on vacation.
A family of four paying the full rate would save P6,480 if the levy were abolished, he said.
The House approved House Bill No. 8464, or the proposed Travel Tax Abolition Act of 2026, on third and final reading on March 16. The measure was transmitted to the Senate the following day.
The proposed abolition was also identified among priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda in February.
The proposed removal of the levy should be considered alongside the need to sustain tourism, education and cultural programs that currently receive funding from travel tax collections, Mr. Quimbo said. — Pexcel John Bacon