MANILA, Philippines — Presidential son and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has filed a bill seeking to abolish the travel tax, arguing that it no longer serves its purpose and instead burdens Filipino families and slows tourism growth. "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 added. He also explained that the travel tax disregards the 2022 ASEAN Tourism Agreement, under which member states committed to phasing out travel levies and taxes to promote inter-ASEAN travel. The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country that imposes a travel tax on its citizens, separate from airport and service fees.

Source: Philippine Star February 04, 2026 04:53 UTC