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Advocates Philippines
House Panel Approves Bill To Abolish Travel Tax
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A measure to scrap the decades-old travel tax for departing Filipino travelers cleared a key hurdle in the House of Representatives on Monday, March 9, 2026.
The House Committee on Ways and Means approved an unnumbered substitute bill consolidating several proposals, including House Bill No. 7443 authored by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, that would repeal the travel tax under Presidential Decree No. 1183 and related provisions of the Tourism Act of 2009.
Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, committee chair, said the approval moves the country closer to making travel more affordable for ordinary Filipinos. The measure now advances to the House Committee on Appropriations before being debated by the full House.
What the Bill Does
Under current law, Filipino citizens leaving the Philippines for international travel pay a travel tax — usually ₱2,700 for first class and ₱1,620 for economy. The revenue funds programs under TIEZA, CHED, and NCCA.
Lawmakers supporting the bill say the travel tax is a burden on travelers, particularly middle-class families and students, and note that the Philippines is one of the few Southeast Asian countries still imposing such a levy.
The bill proposes shifting the funding for affected agencies to the General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring that programs continue without relying on travel tax collections.
Why It Matters
Abolishing the tax could make international travel more affordable, encourage tourism, and stimulate related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. Supporters say it helps ordinary Filipinos without compromising funding for government programs.
Next Steps
After approval by Appropriations, the measure can be scheduled for plenary debates in the House. The Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have expressed support, signaling executive openness to the proposal.
The House Committee on Ways and Means approved an unnumbered substitute bill consolidating several proposals, including House Bill No. 7443 authored by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, that would repeal the travel tax under Presidential Decree No. 1183 and related provisions of the Tourism Act of 2009.
Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, committee chair, said the approval moves the country closer to making travel more affordable for ordinary Filipinos. The measure now advances to the House Committee on Appropriations before being debated by the full House.
What the Bill Does
Under current law, Filipino citizens leaving the Philippines for international travel pay a travel tax — usually ₱2,700 for first class and ₱1,620 for economy. The revenue funds programs under TIEZA, CHED, and NCCA.
Lawmakers supporting the bill say the travel tax is a burden on travelers, particularly middle-class families and students, and note that the Philippines is one of the few Southeast Asian countries still imposing such a levy.
The bill proposes shifting the funding for affected agencies to the General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring that programs continue without relying on travel tax collections.
Why It Matters
Abolishing the tax could make international travel more affordable, encourage tourism, and stimulate related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. Supporters say it helps ordinary Filipinos without compromising funding for government programs.
Next Steps
After approval by Appropriations, the measure can be scheduled for plenary debates in the House. The Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have expressed support, signaling executive openness to the proposal.
Mar 8, 2026
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