Filipino: What must we pay Travel Tax aside from Board pass when travelling abroad?

Question

I am very angry with the Philippine government system, which every Filipino is aware of like "too much corruption" and "bulok na sistema" which is why our country belongs to the bottom of the world list with regards to economic status.

I am already a resident in South Korea but why must I pay travel tax as required by Philippine tourism authority??? I was shocked really that is too much corruption. I have to pay Php1,620.00 aside from the Php750.00 board pass because they said I am going to travel back to Korea... WTF is happening here??? I am going back to my resident and I am paying for travelling???

My friend also travelled the same day with me but she was going to Macau and had to pay 3000 plus for travelling one month. what can you say about this?

Answer 1

Everybody pays travel taxes. Whether you're in the Philippines or in any other country. There are some who would be exempted with it if your parents are OFW abroad (I remember I was before when I was younger)...I'm not sure if it's still applicable now.

For the terminal fee...every country charges that too! It's just that in the Philippines, they wanted it money down! Again, you can be exempted if you are an OFW, and if you are listed at POEA.

I hope this helps...I believe you are a resident of South Korea now, and a Filipino. I'm not being patriotic or anything...I dont believe in the system of the government either but I still have faith with the people in the country.

Answer 2

You are a Filipino, I presume? Or used to be?

Travel tax is required everywhere in the world, I think. Although some travel agencies already include that in the ticket cost so that you won't have to pay it separately. In your case, maybe they did not.

As for the terminal fee (not board pass), it has been required ever since. You did pay for it when you travelled to Korea the first time, I'm sure. Maybe you did not pay attention to it before because of excitement; or someone paid it for you. Only OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) don't pay it if they present their OECs (Overseas Employment Certificates) from POEA.

I'm a Filipino; and I pay the same as you everytime I go abroad. Please don't fret; it's not because of "too much corruption" or "bulok na sistema"....it's the regulation. I'm sure the government agencies involved are putting it to good use.