THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First R e p  1 ar Session 
SENATE 
INTRODUCED BY HON. 
MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
In the past few years, we have seen the decline in foreign tourist arrivals due to 
lack of basic infrastructure and unstable peace and order situation. 
Thus it is high time to tap new market to visit our tourist attractions by 
involving the local residents in reshaping our country’s tourism industry. 
Since Filipinos are by nature great travelers and explorers, this bill aims to 
promote local tourism by attracting our citizenry to explore the country’s scenic 
spots. 
In view of the foregoing, urgent passage of this measure is recommended. 
n 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
J 
SENATE 
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INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
AN ACT 
GRANTING CERTAIN INCENTIVES TO RESIDENT FILIPINOS WHO 
WILL TRAVEL TO DOMESTIC TOURIST DESTINATIONS AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 
1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Domestic Travel 
Incentives Act of 2004". 
SECTION 2. Declaration ofPolicy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
a. 
To encourage activities and programs that will promote tourism 
awareness; 
Enhance the continued viability of our local travel industry and tour 
operation industry; 
Develop ecotourism and promote intrinsic attractions of our various 
tourist destinations; 
Encourage the active participation of its citizenry in promoting the 
Philippines, exploring new local environs, understanding our culture 
and values, and patronizing our local tourism industry.. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
SECTION 3. Persons Qualifzed to Join. - Only resident Filipino citizens can avail 
of this incentive package. 
Professionals or those employed in the government service or private sector 
must present a valid office identification card. With respect to government employees, 
an approved travel request from the employer is also required. 
SECTION 4 Nature ofIncentives. - Resident Filipino citizens who wish to travel 
to a particular tourist destination designated by the Department of Tourism shall be 
given a full twenty percent (20%) discount for traveling, accommodation and meal 
expenses. 


Nothing in this section shall mean to diminish any incentives already provided 
by law, presidential decrees or issuances, executive orders, letters of instruction, 
administrative orders, memoranda, circulars, rules or regulations. 
Employees may be granted the privilege of a local travel leave for a maximum of 
three (3) continuous working days, by visiting prime tourist destinations to be 
designated by the Department of Tourism. A certificate of appearance from the 
particular tourist destination must be submitted by the employee as proof of his 
travel. 
SECTION 5. Applicability. - The incentives mentioned in the preceding section 
can be availed of once a year for a period of three (3) years commencing from the 
effectivity date of this Act. 
SECTION 6 .  Incentives for Operators. - Provincial Bus Operators, Hotel and 
Restaurant Operators, Travel Tour Operators, Commercial Vessel Operators, Airline 
Operators and Travel Agencies which will actively support this Act will be given a five 
(5) percent tax rebate on their Income Tax Return for the next three (3) years. 
The Department of Finance shall prepare the necessary guideline for this 
incentive in coordination with the Department of Tourism. 
SECTION 7 Implementing Agencies. - The Department of Tourism in 
coordination with 
the Department of 
Transportation 
and Communications, 
Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Civil 
Service Commission and Department of Finance shall issue the implementing 
guidelines of this Act in consultation with the Heads of the Hotel and Restaurant 
Association of the Philippines (HRAP) , the Philippine Tour Operators Association 
(PHILTOA) ,the Domestic Shipping Industry, the Commercial Airline Industry, the 
Provincial Bus Operators Association, and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association 
(PTAA) 
to effectively and successfully implement this Act. 
These agencies shall have thirty (30) days from the approval of this Act to 
submit the final implementing guidelines. 
The Department of 
Tourism and Department of 
Transportation and 
Communications shall jointly publish the implementing guidelines in two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
SECTION 8. Separation Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions. 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All acts, executive orders, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly. 


SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,