Republic of the  Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City,  Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No.  8923
Introduced by:
HON. KIIYMER ADAN T. OLAS0
Representative,1 St District, Zamboanga City
and
HON. PRINCHSS RIIIAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN
Representative,1 st District, Sultan Kudarat
AN ACT
EXEMPTING     ALL     TRAVELLHRS     DEPARTING     FROM     ALL
INTHRNATI0NAL AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
T0     ANY    DESTINATION    IN    THE     BRUNEI     DARUSSALAM-
INDONESIA-MALAYSIA-PHILIPPINES   -  EAST   ASEAN   GROWTH
AREA FROM  THE  PAYMHNT 0F  TRAVEL  TAX, AMENDING  FOR
THH  puRposE  pREslDENTIAL  DECREn  ii83  As  AMENDED  By
PRESIDENTIAL  DECREE  NO.  1205,  EXECUTIVE  ORDHR  NO.  283
SERIES OF 1987 AND OTHER RELATED LAWS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of this bill is to promote enhanced cooperation and integration
among   member-countries   of   the   Brunei   Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-
Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and to stimulate tourism
and travel between the Philippines and these neighboring countries.
The BIMP-EAGA region has immense potential for economic growth and
development,  and  its  member-countries  have  been  actively  working  towards


fostering closer ties and promoting regional tourism. In line with this objective,
it is crucial to provide incentives for travellers from the Philippines to BIMP-
EAGA   member-countries   to    encourage   tourism,    business,    and   cultural
exchanges.
This  bill  seeks  to  exempt  travellers  from  the  Philippines  destined  for
BIMP-EAGA  member-countries  from  paying  the  travel  tax  imposed  under
Presidential Decree No.1183 as amended by Presidential Decree No.1205 and
Executive  Order  No.  283  series  of  1987.  By  providing  this  exemption,  the
financial  burden  on  travellers  will  be  alleviated  thereby  making  travel  more
accessible  and  affordable.  This,  in  turn,  will  encourage  more  individuals  to
explore the diverse cultures and unique destinations in the BIhAI'-EAGA region,
thereby boosting tourism and economic activity.
The proposed exemption is a strategic move to strengthen economic ties
and promote regional integration among the BIrm-EAGA member-countries. It
recognizes the potential for mutual benefits and fosters greater connectivity and
cooperation among nations in the region. Furthermore, it aligns with the goals of
the Philippines in enhancing trade relations, cultural exchanges, and people-to-
people connectivity with its neighboring countries.
The approval of this bill will be in the best interest of our nation and our
regional partners.
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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
Second Regular Session
HO`USEB|LLNo.8923
Introduced by:
HON. KIIYMHR ADAN T. OLAS0
Representative,1 St District, Zamboanga City
and
HON. PRINCESS RIHAN MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN
Representative,1 St District, Sultan Kudarat
AN ACT
4     EXEMPTING     ALL     TRAVHLLERS     DEPARTING     FROM     ALL
5     INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
6     TO ANY DESTINATION IN THE BRUNEI DARUSSALAM-INDONESIA-
7     MALAYSIA-PHILIPPINES  -  EAST  ASEAN  GROWTH  AREA  FROM
8     THE PAYMENT OF TRAVEL TAX, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
9     PRESIDENTIAL  DECREE  1183  AS  AMENDED  BY  PRESIDENTIAL
lo     DECREE NO.1205 EXECUTIVE ORDERNO. 283 SERIES OF 1987 AND
11      0THHRRELATEDLAWS
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13                 Be  it  enacted  by  the  House  Of  Representatives  and  the  Senate  Of the
14      Philippines in congress assembled..
SECTION 1. Sfoorr ri.#c. -This Act shall be known as the "BIMP-EAGA
Travel Tax Exemption Act."


SEC. 2. Dec/¢r¢fl.o# a/Po/I.c]7. -It is the policy of the State to foster closer
economic cooperation and integration with neighboring countries and promote the
development of tourism through enhanced travel and exchanges. In line with this
policy, it is imperative to provide incentives to travellers from the Philippines to
the member-countries of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Phi lippines
East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
SEC. 3.   Section 2 of presidential Decree 1183, as amended by Presidential
Decree 1205 and Executive Order No. 283 series of 1987, is hereby amended to
include the following provision:
"SEC. 2. The following are exempted from the payment of travel tax
imposed herein:
a.   XXX
XXX
in.  XXX
n.  all        travellers departing f rom all international airports  and
seaports in Philippines to any destination among member-countries
Of  the  Brunei  Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines   East
ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)"
SHC.  4.  Implementing  Guidelines.  -  The  Department  o£ Tourism,  ±n
coordination with the Department of Finance and the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise   Zone   Authority   (TIEZA),   shall   issue   the   necessary   rules   and
regulations within sixty (60) days  from the approval  of this Act to ensure the
proper implementation thereof.
SEC. 5. EJ7e: c/I.tirty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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