Definition and Scope of Public Service
- The term "public service" includes any person or entity that owns, operates, manages, or controls in the Philippines, for hire or compensation, various modes of transportation and utilities.
- Covered services include common carriers, railroads, street railways, motor vehicles (freight or passenger), express services, steamboat and steamship lines, pontoon ferries, and small watercraft engaged in transport of passengers and freight.
- Other included services: shipyards, marine railways, marine repair shops, warehouses, wharfs or docks, ice plants, refrigeration plants, canals, irrigation systems, sewerage, gas, electric light, heat and power, water supply and power, petroleum, telephone, wireless telegraph, and broadcasting radio stations.
- Exemption: A person engaged in agriculture who owns a motor vehicle used personally or leased temporarily to agricultural third parties for specific farm-related purposes is not considered to be operating a public service.
Inclusive Definition of "Person"
- The term "person" broadly includes individuals, partnerships, joint-stock companies, corporations (domestic or foreign).
- Also includes lessees, trustees, receivers, and government entities such as municipalities, provinces, or branches or agencies of the Government of the Philippines.
- Encompasses any other persons or entities that may own, possess, or operate public services.
Effectivity
- The Act took effect immediately upon approval on June 14, 1955.