A lawmaker submitted a bill seeking to exempt dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from paying travel taxes.
Bulacan representative Antonio Sy-Alvarado passed House Bill 8196 which seeks the inclusion of the dependents of OFWs in those exempted from paying the currently imposed travel tax when leaving the country.
Sy-Alvarado said the bill seeks to recognize the sacrifices of OFWs abroad and their contribution to the economy of the country through their remittances.
The bill is currently under review at the House Committee on Overseas Affairs.
Currently, passengers are required to pay travel tax of Php1,620 for those boarding economy and business class flights and Php2,700 for first class flights.
OFWs, meanwhile, are exempted from paying travel taxes, documentary stamp tax, and airport fees as per the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
Photo credits: hungryfortheworld.com
