In case you wanted to know where your taxes go: Lawmakers at the House of Representatives passed a bill that would require tourist establishments such as hotels, resorts, tourist buses, and inbound international flights to play Filipino music.
With 179 affirmative votes and no negative votes, the lower chamber approved HB 10305. Once passed, the bill would mandate international flights landing in the country to dedicate 50 percent of its piped-in music to Filipino songs.
Meanwhile, hotels, resorts, and restaurants would be required to dedicate 25 percent of its music to Filipino songs during operating hours. Tourist buses will have to ensure half of the songs on their playlists is composed of Pinoy tunes.
Deputy speaker Lito Atienza, the bill’s primary author, said that the purpose of the measure was to promote nationalism and showcase the culture of the Philippines through music.
And if these establishments don’t comply? They will face some hefty fines, imposing a penalty of P500,000 for airline companies, P50,000 for tourist bus owners, and P20,000 for hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Wonder what the crowd favorite will be—P-Pop?
