Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4554)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 4554 is to grant Juan R. Alcasid a franchise to construct, maintain, and operate an ice plant and cold storage in the Municipality of Polomolok, Province of Cotabato, including the right to sell, distribute, and supply ice and cold storage throughout the whole province.
The franchise is granted for a period of twenty-five years from the approval of the Act.
The grantee shall manufacture and supply ice up to the limit of the capacity of his plant, which limit is to be determined by the Public Service Commission. The sale prices are also to be determined by the same Commission.
The Public Service Commission or its legal successor regulates and approves the schedule of prices and rates for the ice and cold storage services.
The grantee shall change or alter any apparatus and appurtenances at his own expense whenever the Public Service Commission determines that it is reasonably required in the public interest.
If the grantee fails to commence construction within one year from the approval of the Act, unless prevented by force majeure or other uncontrollable causes, the franchise becomes null and void.
The franchise may be amended, altered, or repealed by the Congress of the Philippines when public interest so requires.
The grantee must pay a franchise tax equal to five percent of the gross earnings under this franchise, with three percent accruing to the National Government and two percent to the municipality where the franchise operates.
Yes, the books, records, and accounts of the grantee shall always be open for inspection by the Auditor General or authorized representatives, and the grantee must submit quarterly reports showing gross receipts.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 19, 1965.