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The Philippine House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill to abolish the travel tax. This move is expected to relieve the Philippines of its status as the only Southeast Asian nation imposing a travel tax.

Philippine House Passes Bill to Abolish Travel Tax

The Philippine House of Representatives has approved a bill to abolish the travel tax. A total of 257 lawmakers backed the bill, with one voting against and one abstaining. House Bill No. 8464 seeks to abolish the travel tax. However, the proposal cannot be sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s desk for his signature yet, as the Senate has yet to pass a similar measure.

Current Travel Tax and Funding Provisions

Currently, Filipino travelers pay ₱1,620 for economy-class international trips and ₱2,700 for first-class flights. The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that still imposes a travel tax on passengers. Under the approved House bill, the national government will cover the funds lost by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Commission on Higher Education, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through the annual national budget.

*Source: YouTube: Rappler (2026-03-17)*

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