Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 80)
It applies to all persons, corporations, firms, and entities engaged in the operation of domestic water transportation services for compensation, commercial or public use, involving the carriage of passengers or cargo within the Philippines.
A Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) is an authorization issued by MARINA to a vessel for a domestic water transportation service for commercial or public use, for which no municipal or legislative franchise is required by law.
The applicant must be a Filipino citizen or a Philippine corporation with at least 60% Filipino ownership, be financially capable of undertaking the service, comply with safety and service standards, and prove that the operation promotes public interest.
It refers to the priority given to an existing authorized operator in a route or segment of the route by virtue of a CPC or PA issued to them.
Monopolized routes with only one franchised operator shall be opened up to have a minimum of two operators to encourage competition and enhance public interest.
Public interest or convenience is defined as the common good; that which benefits all people or the majority thereof, and it is the paramount consideration in granting CPC or PA.
Violations or non-compliance may lead to disapproval of CPC/PA applications, suspension, revocation, or cancellation of certificates after due notice and hearing, in addition to penalties under the Public Service Act and other relevant regulations.
They must file a notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to withdrawal or suspension with MARINA and inform the public. Unauthorized suspension or abandonment for four months or more leads to forfeiture of the CPC after a hearing.
Steel-hulled vessels 0-10 years old receive CPCs valid for 10 years; vessels 11 years and above receive CPCs valid for 5 years. No CPC shall be issued to steel-hulled vessels above 30 years old if not classed by a recognized classification society.