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Raffy Tulfo pushes for travel tax exemption for Filipinos flying economy

Raffy Tulfo pushes for travel tax exemption for Filipinos flying economy

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo wants economy fliers to be exempted from travel tax.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo wants economy fliers to be exempted from travel tax. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)



MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Raffy Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to exempt economy class passengers from paying travel tax.

However, he was quick to add that his Senate Bill No. 88 does not seek to abolish the travel tax entirely.

“The measure 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,” Tulfo said in his proposed measure’s explanatory note.

"In this manner, 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 added.

READ: marcos-waives-travel-tax-at-mindanao-palawan-intl-airports-seaports-for-select-asean-countries

He noted that while the continued collection of travel tax contributes significantly to the development of tourism infrastructure, education, and cultural initiatives, it cannot be denied that the ordinary Filipino traveler, particularly those who travel economy class, bears an undue financial burden.

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

Pursuant to Section 73 of Republic Act No. 9593, the proceeds of said tax are distributed as follows: 50 percent to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 40 percent to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the advancement of tourism-related academic programs, and 10 percent to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to promote cultural preservation and development.

The basis of the government's continued imposition of the travel tax is Presidential Decree 1183 issued in 1977, which Tulfo wants repealed.

In PD 1183, Filipinos who are exempted from paying the travel tax are OFWs, infants, and gov't officials and corporations on official travel. /mr

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