TIEZA mulls travel tax exemption for travel bloggers

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is pushing for the exemption of travel bloggers from paying travel tax.

At a press briefing on Tuesday in Makati City, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said, "We already approached Senator [Lito] Lapid… he will be filing the bill for amendments, for the inclusion of travel bloggers in travel tax exemption."

The TIEZA chief, the son of Senator Lapid, said that under the agency's proposed amendment, "travel bloggers must be accredited and certified under the Department of Tourism (DOT)."

Under current rules, those exempted from paying the P1,620 for economy class and P2,700 for first class travel tax, include overseas Filipino workers, Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one year, and infants (two years old and below).

Other exemptions include crew members of airplanes plying international routes, government officials traveling on official business, Muslim-Filipinos attending pilgrimage, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and its delegation to international competitions, and exporters joining international trade fairs.

Meanwhile, those covered by a reduced standard travel tax rate of P1,350 for first class and economy class at P300 include minors from two years and one day to 12th birthday on date of travel, accredited Filipino journalists whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment, and those authorized by the President for reasons of national interest.

Those who may avail of the privileged reduced travel tax of P400 for first class and P300 for economy class are legitimate spouse of an OFW, unmarried children of an OFW who are below 21 years old, and children of OFWs with disabilities even above 21 years old.

The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the country regardless of the place where the air ticket was issued and the form or place of payment, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183, as amended.

Pursuant to Section 73 of Republic Act 9593, fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds from travel tax collections shall accrue to the TIEZA, forty percent (40%) shall accrue to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for tourism-related educational programs and courses, and ten percent (10%) shall accrue to the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). — VDV, GMA Integrated News