Politics · Philippines Bureau
Villar pushes for scrapping of travel tax burden on Filipinos
A Philippine senator is backing legislation to eliminate a longstanding travel tax that has added costs for citizens departing the country. The proposed measure aims to reduce the financial strain on outbound Filipino travelers.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Mark A. Villar is advocating for expedited passage of Senate Bill No. 1870, the Travel Tax Abolition Act, which proposes removing a decades-old exit tax imposed on Filipinos traveling abroad.
Villar characterized the existing travel tax as an unnecessary additional burden for citizens leaving the country, particularly affecting those with limited means. The senator has called on his colleagues in the chamber to prioritize the bill's advancement through the legislative process.
The travel tax has been a standard imposition on outbound passengers for decades. Proponents of its abolition argue that eliminating the levy would ease the financial load on Filipinos traveling internationally, whether for work, family visits, or leisure purposes.
The measure represents part of broader legislative efforts to address financial pressures on Filipino citizens. Villar's push for the bill comes as the country continues to grapple with cost-of-living concerns affecting households across income levels.