Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1119)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 1119 is to grant Martha Enterprises, Inc., a temporary permit to establish, maintain, and operate private fixed point-to-point radiotelephone stations for transmitting and receiving wireless messages, specifically to support its lumber business operations.
The Secretary of Public Works and Communications is authorized to approve the establishment and operation of the radiotelephone stations.
The radiotelephone stations may be established and operated in the City of Zamboanga and other parts of the Philippines where Martha Enterprises, Inc. operates its lumber business.
The President has the power to permit the construction, maintenance, and operation of the private fixed point-to-point radiotelephone stations on any public domain land under prescribed terms and to close or authorize temporary use of the stations during war, rebellion, or other emergencies upon just compensation.
The temporary permit remains in force as long as the government has not established a similar radiotelephone service at the stated locations and provided that the grantee starts operations within one and a half years from the approval of the Act.
No, the grantee is prohibited from engaging in domestic telecommunications business; the permit is solely for operating radiotelephone stations to support their lumber business interests.
Operations may only begin after the Secretary of Public Works and Communications has allotted the necessary frequencies and wavelengths to Martha Enterprises, Inc.
The grantee must construct and operate the radiotelephone stations in a manner that does not interfere with the operation of other radio stations in the Philippines.
The grantee must hold the national, provincial, city, and municipal governments harmless from all claims, demands, or actions arising from accidents or injuries caused by the construction or operation of its radiotelephone stations.
Yes, Congress reserves the right to amend, alter, or repeal the temporary permit whenever the public interest requires it, and the permit is not an exclusive grant of privilege.