Senator Mark Villar has called on the government to ramp up investments in the tourism sector, warning that the Philippines is falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in attracting visitors.
During the Senate finance committee hearing on the proposed 2026 national budget, Villar stressed that high domestic airfares are discouraging both local and foreign travelers.
“Ang gaganda ng offers papuntang Vietnam. Halimbawa, makakakuha ka ng package like three nights or four nights plus round-trip airfare for the equivalent of 18,000 pesos. Eh tayo, yung airfare papuntang Siargao is already 18,000 pesos… hindi talaga tayo competitive kapag dating sa tourism,” Villar pointed out.
He noted that flights to major international destinations such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand often cost less than tickets to Philippine tourist spots. This prompted him to file Senate Resolution No. 53 seeking an inquiry into why local fares remain unreasonably high and whether Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) regulations are being properly implemented.
Villar also highlighted the need to address technical challenges like airport facilities and runway capacity. “I understand there are some technical reasons, tulad ng airport at yung haba ng runway. So it’s really a comprehensive solution. Sana, maganda rin na mag-invest tayo sa tourism infrastructure because it creates [more] jobs… and in other countries in Asia, it is a big source of income,” he said.
The senator emphasized that prioritizing tourism in the national budget would yield long-term economic gains. “I think para sa government, sulit po ang investment natin sa infrastructure projects related to tourism. I hope that’s given consideration in the budget,” he added.
