Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2307)
The Board consists of three persons, residents of the Philippine Islands, each at least thirty years old, appointed by the Governor-General with the advice and consent of the Philippine Commission.
Members must be residents of the Philippine Islands and at least thirty years of age.
The Board has general supervision, regulation, jurisdiction, and control over all public utilities and their property, franchises, equipment, and facilities necessary to carry out the Act.
The Board may impose penalties of two hundred pesos per day for non-compliance, enforce orders by mandamus, injunction, or suit in equity to compel performance.
Public utility includes every individual, partnership, association, corporation, or joint stock company owning, operating, managing, or controlling steam railroads, street railways, canals, gas, electric light, water, telephone, telegraph systems, and similar services for public use.
No, members or employees cannot have any official or professional relation, hold stock or securities, or other office of profit or trust under the government related to any public utility operating within the Philippines.
After hearing and upon notice, the Board can fix just and reasonable rates, tolls, charges, and regulate classifications, and may suspend any unreasonable increases pending investigation.
Persons who willfully cause or participate in violations, or public utilities that commit prohibited acts, are guilty of misdemeanor.
The Board can adopt its own rules for hearings, is not bound by technical rules of evidence, can compel witness attendance and documents, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas.
Orders may be reviewed by certiorari or petition to the Supreme Court within thirty days from the order's effective date, with the Court having jurisdiction to set aside orders unsupported by evidence or beyond jurisdiction.
Public utilities must obtain Board approval before issuing stocks or bonds payable beyond one year, or transferring shares resulting in majority control of another corporation; unauthorized actions are void.
No franchise is valid without Board approval, given after a hearing determines the necessity and public interest, with power to impose conditions on construction, maintenance, or operation.
No, any abandonment of stations, stopping ticket sales, or discontinuing freight agents requires Board approval.
The Board can order the installation of protective devices such as gates at crossings to protect the traveling public when conditions require such safety measures.
Yes, municipalities must keep accounts as prescribed by the Board and file statements as directed.