The House Committee on Tourism approved a bill seeking the abolition of the travel tax for locals on Monday, noting that there is a need to reduce the financial burden on ordinary passengers and improve travel competitiveness.

The Committee Chair Eleandro Madrona called for a motion to scrap the travel tax, provided that the law crafted would allow flexible implementation without repeatedly seeking DBM approval, while still depending on the speed of fund utilization.

“And I think the chair now would want to hear a motion approving the abolition of the travel tax, subject to the framing of the appropriate appropriation measure that would ensure flexibility without need to make pakiusap with the DBM, but of course, take note always strictly subject to how fast you are able to implement all these funds,” he said.

A motion was put forth to consolidate all proposed bills abolishing the tax, which is to be coupled with a substitute funding system.

“I move that the consolidated bills be approved abolishing the travel tax and that this should be accompanied by a clear, sustainable alternative funding mechanism,” another lawmaker responded.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier had lawmakers prioritize the passage of a bill that would scrap the travel tax.