Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 776)
The official title of Republic Act No. 776 is "The Civil Aeronautics Act of the Philippines."
The general purpose is the reorganization of the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aeronautics Administration, defining their powers and duties, making adjustments of funds and personnel, and regulating civil aeronautics in the Philippines.
Military aircraft and airmen of the Philippines and foreign countries, as well as foreign civil and public aircraft and airmen not covered under Chapters III and IV of the Act, are excluded except for air traffic rules.
An air carrier is defined as a person who undertakes, directly or indirectly, whether by lease or other arrangements, to engage in air transportation or air commerce.
The Board is composed of the Secretary of Commerce and Industry as Chairman, the Civil Aeronautics Administrator, the Commanding Officer of the Philippine Air Force, and two other members appointed by the President.
No member of the Board shall have any pecuniary interest in or own any stock or bond of any civil aeronautics enterprise.
It is a permit issued by the Board authorizing a person to engage in air commerce and/or air transportation, either foreign or domestic, subject to reasonable terms, conditions, or limitations as the Board deems necessary in the public interest.
Such a permit shall be issued only to citizens of the Philippines, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or existing treaties.
The Administrator, appointed by the President, is the administrative head of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, responsible for enforcing laws relating to civil aviation, issuing certificates, regulating air navigation facilities, investigating accidents, and implementing international aviation standards.
Any person engaging in air commerce without a Board-issued permit shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the court's discretion.
They may be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos. Repetition of this offense may lead to revocation of the airman's certificate.
The Board can fix and determine reasonable rates, charges, or fares and may adopt proposed rates if they are not unduly preferential, discriminatory, or unreasonable.
Applications must be made in writing, verified, and comply with form and information requirements set by the Board. Notice of application must be given to the public and interested persons, with hearings held for parties interested to appear.
The Administrator can designate and establish airways, acquire, operate, and maintain air navigation facilities, certify these facilities, and fix reasonable charges for their use.
Only aircraft owned by Filipino citizens and not registered under foreign laws are eligible. Applications must be made in writing, and upon approval, a certificate of registration is issued. Registration can be revoked if eligibility is lost.
A fine not exceeding five thousand pesos or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, at the court's discretion.
The Administrator, Deputy Administrator, chiefs of divisions, and duly designated members of examining and investigating committees.
The Chairman and two members constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of the quorum is required for valid decisions. Tie votes are referred to the President of the Philippines.