President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved 21 priority legislative measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), including the abolition of travel tax, according to Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro.

During a press conference, Castro said that Marcos underscored the need to fast-track key bills that would help improve the lives of Filipinos and strengthen the country’s economic and governance frameworks.

Among the priority measures endorsed by the President are the abolition of the travel tax, the Expanded Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act of 2026, proposed legislation against fake news and digital disinformation, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

Also included in the President’s legislative agenda are the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, the Independent People’s Commission Act, and reforms to the Party-List System.

According to Castro, the President wants Congress to prioritize the proposed abolition of the travel tax, which is expected to reduce travel costs and help boost tourism.

“Ipinahayag din ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng pagpapabagaan sa gastusin ng mga turista at ng mga nagbabiyahe. Priority Bill ng Pangulo ang travel tax abolition upang matulungan maiangat ang turismo ng bansa,” Castro said during a press briefing.

She added: “Batid din ng Pangulo na ang mga nagbabiyahe na ating mga kababayan ay hindi lang para mamasyal, kundi ang iba ay para sa trabaho at ang iba naman ay para sa emergency cases din.”

Castro explained that under the current system, 50 percent of travel tax collections go to Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) projects, 40 percent fund educational assistance and scholarships through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and 10 percent support culture and heritage promotion through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

She assured the public that once the travel tax is abolished, these programs will continue to receive funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The travel tax abolition bill was earlier filed by the President’s son and House Majority Leader, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

During the same briefing, Castro also addressed concerns surrounding the administration’s endorsement of an anti-fake news and digital disinformation measure, particularly fears that it could infringe on freedom of expression.

According to her, the President stressed the need for balance in crafting such legislation.

“Ang sabi naman po ng Pangulo na nabanggit po ito ay dapat pong balansehin...Dapat balansehin nga dahil nga baka masagasaan yung freedom of expression. Dapat ma-define mabuti kung ano 'yung sinasabi nating fake news at disinformation. Definitely, it will not lead to [a] crackdown against dissent or critical views against the government. Kasi yun naman lagi ang concern pag may mga ganyang mga... Hindi po hahayaan ng Pangulo na masagasaan ang anumang freedom of expression, freedom of speech ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

Castro said the President is hopeful that Congress will pass the 21 priority bills by June, in line with the administration’s legislative agenda.