President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved 21 priority bills from the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Among the measures approved by the President are proposals to abolish the travel tax, create an Independent People's Commission, and combat fake news and digital disinformation.

"The President saw that this would ease the burden on our tourists and our countrymen who travel," said Undersecretary Claire Castro, Palace Press Officer.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has listened to the complaints of Filipino travelers regarding travel tax payments. During the LEDAC meeting held today, its abolition was included among the 21 priority bills approved by PBBM.

According to Malacañang, the LEDAC meeting discussed the potential impact of removing the travel tax. President Marcos reportedly saw the significant benefit this would bring to tourists and Filipino travelers.

Travelers pay between 1,620 pesos and 2,700 pesos in travel tax, depending on whether they choose economy or first-class seats when leaving the country.

Of the total tax collected, 50 percent goes to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 40 percent to the Commission on Higher Education for tourism-related educational programs, and 10 percent to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

According to Usec. Castro, programs that would be affected by the travel tax abolition will be funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

"When this is abolished and it's not just a fee deduction, this will be funded by the government, of course, through the GAA," Castro said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco previously stated she would leave the travel tax issue to lawmakers, though she emphasized its significant contribution to the country's economy.

The President's son, Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos, is the principal author of the travel tax abolition bill.

Beyond travel tax abolition, PBBM has prioritized the passage before the June 2026 session break of measures to strengthen the fight against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, fake news, and the creation of an Independent People's Commission.

President Marcos also emphasized the passage of an anti-political dynasty bill. According to Malacañang, Congress is currently conducting consultations for the version to be crafted. The President will await this to study what kind of anti-political dynasty bill the administration will support.

"For now, Congress is still conducting consultations. So, when they provide their version, that's when the President will know what is better and what he will support," Castro said.

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