Tenure, Succession, and Procedural Rules of Commissioners
- Commissioners serve until age 70 or removal following the Revised Administrative Code procedures.
- Upon retirement, Commissioners receive judicial retirement benefits or those under applicable retirement laws.
- In the absence of the Public Service Commissioner, the senior Associate Commissioner acts as Commissioner.
- For absences or vacancies causing quorum issues or tied votes, the Secretary of Justice may designate Judges or legal division attorneys to temporarily serve as Commissioners.
- The PSC may sit en banc or in two divisions (three Commissioners each).
- The Public Service Commissioner presides en banc and in one division; the senior Associate Commissioner presides the other division.
- A quorum is five Commissioners en banc and two Commissioners in division sessions.
- Powers vested in the Commission can be exercised individually or jointly.
- Case assignments are equitably divided; uncontested cases are decided by one Commissioner.
- Contested cases and rate-fixing cases require at least two Commissioners’ concurrence.
- Motions for reconsideration of decisions are heard by the en banc Commission requiring four Commissioners’ concurrence.
Compensation and Staff of the Commission
- Public Service Commissioner receives an annual salary of ₱13,000.
- Associate Commissioners receive ₱12,000 each annually.
- Staff includes: Chief Attorney, Finance and Rate Regulation Officer, Chief Utilities Regulation Engineer, Transportation Regulation Chief, Secretary, and two Public Utilities Advisers (each earning ₱7,200/year).
- Five Assistant Chiefs of Division receive ₱6,000 annually each.
- Eleven Attorneys receive ₱5,400 annually each.
Office Location and Sessions
- The PSC has its office in Manila at a designated location.
- Hearings may be held anywhere in the Philippines as ordered in writing.
- During April and May, at least three Commissioners must be on duty, rotating vacations biennially.
- The Secretary of Justice may require Commissioners on vacation to perform duties if public interest demands.
Jurisdiction and Regulatory Scope of the Commission
- The PSC has jurisdiction, supervision, and control over all public services, their franchises, equipment, and properties.
- It wields necessary powers including the aid of the public force.
- Government-owned or controlled public services are regulated similarly but do not require certificates of public convenience or necessity.
- Steamboats, motorships, and steamship lines, whether private or government-operated, are exempt from certificate and route regulation.
- "Public service" includes persons or entities operating common carriers, railroads, subways, motor vehicles, shipping lines, marine services, utilities (gas, electric, water), communications, and similar services for hire or compensation.
- Persons engaged in agriculture using motor vehicles for themselves or under special contract for agricultural transport are generally exempt.
- The term "person" covers individuals, partnerships, corporations, lessees, trustees, municipalities, provinces, government entities, and others.
Exemptions from Regulation
- Warehouses are exempt.
- Animal-drawn vehicles, bancas propelled by oar or sail, tugboats, and lighters are exempt.
- Airships within the Philippines are regulated only for freight and passenger rate fixing.
- Radio companies are regulated only with respect to rate fixing.
- Public services owned or operated by government instrumentalities or government-owned corporations are exempt except as to rate fixing.
Appropriations and Effectivity
- An appropriation of ₱150,000 is allocated for Commission expenses, sourced from collected fees or the National Treasury.
- Savings from previous budget appropriations are available for use.
- Inconsistent laws are repealed.
- The Act takes effect upon approval.