Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6235)
Section 1 prohibits compelling a change in the course or destination of an aircraft of Philippine registry, seizing or usurping control of such aircraft in flight, and compelling an aircraft of foreign registry to land in Philippine territory or seizing control while within Philippine territory.
An aircraft is considered "in flight" from the moment all external doors are closed after embarkation until any of such doors is opened for disembarkation.
Violators shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than twelve years but not more than twenty years, or a fine ranging from twenty thousand pesos to forty thousand pesos. Penalties increase to fifteen years to death or fines from twenty-five thousand to fifty thousand pesos under aggravating circumstances such as firing upon the pilot or passengers, attempting to explode bombs, or when the crime is accompanied by murder, homicide, serious injuries, or rape.
Explosive, flammable, corrosive, or poisonous substances or materials are prohibited from being shipped, loaded, or carried in any passenger aircraft operating as a public utility within the Philippines.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration issues regulations regarding the shipment, loading, or carrying of explosive, flammable, corrosive, or poisonous substances in cargo aircraft.
Explosive substances liberate heat and gas at high speed causing tremendous pressure resulting in explosion. It includes substances like dynamites, firecrackers, blasting caps, black powders, bursters, percussion cartridges, and other explosive materials, except bullets for firearms.
Violations of Section 3 shall be punished with imprisonment from five to ten years or a fine between ten thousand to twenty thousand pesos. If committed by juridical persons, penalties apply to officers responsible, and foreign corporations may have their business licenses revoked.
Yes, airline companies operating public utility aircraft are authorized to open and inspect suspicious packages and cargoes in the presence of the owner or authorized representatives, and may refuse loading if access is denied.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration must promulgate regulations within one month after the approval of the Act, with publication in the Official Gazette and a newspaper for three consecutive weeks. Regulations take effect fifteen days after publication.