"While it is true that the move seeks to raise additional revenue for the national government’s many ongoing development-oriented projects, yet, this, on the other hand, results in the closure of many of these establishments, and dislocation of workers, owing to slow business, said AMOOP spokesman Johnny G. Yu over a radio interview.

The proposed tax hike, according to Yu, was sought by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda in his capacity as head of the government’s Economic Managers Group (EMG).

Salceda’s proposed tax hike is called "Presumptive Taxation."

Yu said the scheme would deprive low income and "transit’’ individuals the "luxury’’ of staying in an affordable lodging place like a motel.

The Albay lawmaker pointed out that the revenue collection will soar to a high of 200 percent upon the implementation of the "Presumptive Taxation."

Yu stressed that motels (drive-inns), apartel, and similar lodging houses notably in developed countries are enjoying considerable tax payments on the account of their vital role in the promotion of tourism.

He said the association is a staunch supporter of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s "Wow Philippines," a tourism-oriented program.