Manila, Jan. 21 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is leaving to lawmakers the decision on whether to scrap the travel tax imposed on Filipinos departing overseas.

"We understand the recent concerns on travel taxes, and we leave it to the wisdom of the legislature, whether or not to remove this imposition," DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said in a Kapihan sa Manila Prince forum on Wednesday.

Frasco said that if the travel tax is removed, lawmakers must identify alternative funding to sustain tourism infrastructure programs, noting that the Philippines currently ranks 69th out of 117 economies in tourism infrastructure development.

"We have a lot more to catch up on, but we need the funds to improve tourism infrastructure," Frasco said....