Abolishing travel tax

The proposed abolition of the travel tax is a step in the right direction to keep public policy attuned with the constitutional provision mandating that 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".

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This proposal, once enacted, is necessary in light of contemporary social and economic realities. A measure once justified as a levy on luxury has, over time, evolved into an undue burden, especially on ordinary citizens. By eliminating an outdated and regressive burden, the State acknowledges that mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity—one that underpins economic participation, social connection, and personal advancement.

Today, mobility is integral to the lives of millions of Filipinos. Overseas employment, international education, cross-border enterprise, and even familial obligations necessitate travel beyond national boundaries. In this context, the continued imposition of a travel tax no longer reflects economic fairness; rather, it imposes an additional cost on individuals whose journeys are often driven by necessity rather than leisure.