Travel and Tourism

The rationale for the imposition of a travel tax (introduced in 1977) – that foreign travel is a ‘privilege’ – no longer reflects current conditions, prompting Senator Mark Villar to propose its abolition under Senate Bill 1870 – Travel Tax Abolition Act. Sen. Mark Villar said, “Hindi dapat maging dagdag na pasanin ang pag-alis ng bansa, lalo na para sa …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), wants to support MD Juan Enterprises Inc.’s venture into the manufacture of electric vehicles (EV) by providing the 60-year-old traditional jeepney manufacturer with new and modern equipment. MD is a beneficiary of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which provides micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) with …

After six months of restoration, the Coconut Palace recently opened in time for the Philippine hosting of the ASEAN Summit in November. The Coconut Palace – regarded today as a cultural icon – was commissioned by then-First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1978 using the design of National Artist for Architecture, Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. Restoration began in February 2026 and unveiled …

Government intends to transforms the country as a regional hub for the manufacture of electric vehicles (EV) through a program that provides incentives for local EV manufacturers, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Executive Order (EO) No. 121, which establishes the EV Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program, was signed last July 29 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to …

Passengers of MRT-3 who can present their National ID get to ride free during peak hours on certain days of August up to early September. The free ride is being launched in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of Republic Act No. 11055, known as the Philippine Identification System Act. The zero …

Filipino commuters, numbering tens of thousands, are now regularly using bicycles as mode of transport to work. Data from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) showed at least 6,166 bikers daily traverse EDSA anywhere between Monumento in Caloocan and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. DOTr’s numbers however contrast highly with the daily average of 22,992 bikers going through EDSA, as …

SB19 has been named by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the country’s newest tourism ambassadors. DOT tapped the group’s global reach to promote Filipino culture and encourage international travel to the country. This was confirmed by SB19 members Pablo, Stell, Ken, Josh and Justin after receiving a “Galingbayan” box from DOT. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19’s following across …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is confident it can partially operationalize the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) by the first quarter of 2028, Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. The DPTMP is a bold move to shift public transport to go full electric, in conformity to the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the recent State of the Nation Address …

NLEX Corp. said they will continue to provide road infrastructure that enhances mobility and supports regional economic growth, citing the proven impact of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) at enhancing business activity across Central Luzon. NLEX president Luis Reñon said their company has been providing safe and reliable transport infrastructure that unlocks the economic potential of Northern and Central Luzon. “For …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) hopes to partially open the Unified Grand Central Station – or Common Station – by first quarter of 2028. According to Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the Economy and Development Council recently approved the project’s variation order, allowing DOTr to target partial operations by early 2028. Earlier, DOTr canceled the contract of BF Corp. and Foresight Development …