English: According to Gatchalian, the proposed measure could likely be enacted into law within the year, as he noted that the Philippines is the only remaining country in ASEAN that is yet to adopt a VAT refund program for foreign tourists. The proposed measure is seen to enhance the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination in Asia and boost tourist arrivals to its pre-pandemic level of 8.2 million in 2019.
Filipino: Ayon kay Gatchalian, posibleng maisabatas ang panukala sa loob ng taon. Ang Pilipinas na lamang, aniya, ang natitirang bansa sa ASEAN na hindi pa nagpapatibay ng VAT refund program para sa non-resident tourists. Dahil sa panukalang VAT refund, nakikitang mapapaigting ang competitiveness ng bansa pagdating sa pagiging top tourist destination sa Asya at inaasahang maibabalik ang dami ng mga turista sa bansa sa pre-pandemic level na 8.2 milyon noong 2019.