Spare economy passengers from travel tax, says Raffy Tulfo

Sen. Raffy Tulfo has proposed to spare travelers on economy class flights from paying the travel tax.

In a statement, Tulfo said imposing the tax on economy class passengers was a violation of their constitutional right to travel. 

He said many of these travelers are using funds they saved for a long time.

Tulfo, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said he would file a bill as regards his proposal.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III in 2022 already filed a bill on the non-imposition of travel tax on Filipinos and citizens of southeast Asian countries traveling to other ASEAN states. 

The travel tax is enshrined in Presidential Decree 1183, issued in 1977. Tulfo wants the measure repealed.

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

Tulfo said Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes the Filipino People’s right to travel. 

Citing the provision, Tulfo said the right to travel shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law. —NB, GMA Integrated News