MANILA — Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo renewed his call for the passage of a measure seeking to remove the travel tax on Filipinos flying economy class to any part of the world.

Tulfo said his measure, logged as Senate Bill (SB) No. 88, highlights how the travel tax continues to impose an undue financial burden on economy class passengers traveling on a budget.

“It cannot be denied that the ordinary Filipino traveler, particularly those who travel on economy class, bears an undue financial burden because of travel tax,” he said.

“This is compounded by the already heavy tax obligations imposed on Filipino citizens, including income and consumption taxes. In recognition of these circumstances, this legislative measure seeks to exempt economy class passengers from the payment of travel tax,” he added.

Tulfo clarified that his bill does not seek to abolish the travel tax entirely, noting that it “merely introduces a more equitable structure by retaining the imposition of travel tax on passengers traveling via 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, CHED, and the NCCA, ensuring the sustainability of essential programs and projects, while alleviating the financial strain on the average Filipino traveler,” he said.