Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1387)
The main purpose of Act No. 1387 is to provide for the licensing of vessels engaging in coastwise trade and vessels exclusively involved in lighterage and harbor business in the Philippine Islands, and to fix the license fees thereof.
All vessels of the class designated in section one hundred and seventeen of Act Numbered 355, as amended by Act Numbered 1235, that engage in coastwise trade are required to obtain a license.
For vessels propelled by steam or other mechanical motive power, the license fee is one peso and fifty centavos per registered net ton, Philippine currency.
For sailing vessels and vessels not propelled by steam or other mechanical motive power, the license fee is one peso per registered net ton, Philippine currency.
Such vessels must take out a license prior to engaging in the business and annually thereafter, with a fee of one peso per registered net ton, and the license must specify the particular port or body of water where the vessel is to operate.
No vessel licensed under this section may transport cargo or passengers for hire beyond the limits specified in its license.
Yes, Act No. 1387 is retroactive to include all licenses due on and after July 1, 1905. Where fees have been paid under previous laws since that date, a refund is authorized for the difference between previous and current fees. Where fees are due but unpaid, licenses are to be issued under this Act.
All laws or parts of laws in conflict with Act No. 1387 are repealed.