Sen. Raffy Tulfo is pushing for a new bill that aims to remove the travel tax for passengers flying in economy class.
Sen. Tulfo believes that imposing extra costs on travelers who are already trying to save money is unfair and goes against their constitutional right to travel.
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Travel Tax Exemption
As the chair of the Senate committee on public services, Tulfo is set to introduce the bill this week. He argues that while passengers in first and business class would still pay the so-called luxury tax, removing the tax for economy class would make travel more affordable for those on a tighter budget.
Tulfo points to Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees the right to travel. He stresses that this right should only be restricted for reasons of national security, public safety, or health, as defined by law.
The proposed bill seeks to repeal Presidential Decree 1183, which was enacted in 1977 and currently imposes the travel tax. Tulfo’s measure would make travel more accessible for many people.