Law Summary
Powers to Transmit and Construct Communication Infrastructure
- PLDT can transmit messages, pictures, and signals electrically between provinces and municipalities.
- Authorized to construct and maintain telephone lines, cables (including submarine cables), poles, conduits, and other necessary apparatus.
- Facilities may be implemented on public properties such as roads, government rights-of-way, bridges, streets, sidewalks, and waters.
- Permission to operate apparatus overhead, underground, on the surface, or underwater to connect with international systems.
Location and Construction Standards
- All cables, poles, and conduits must be placed as designated by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
- Poles must be erected in a workmanlike manner, meeting satisfaction of the Secretary.
- Upon reasonable notice, PLDT must relocate or adjust poles or wires to accommodate building relocations; costs shared between the mover and PLDT.
- Secretary can order relocation of poles, conduits, or wires when public interest demands, at PLDT's expense.
- PLDT has right to appeal relocation orders to the President of the Philippines; presidential decision is final.
Compliance and Enforcement
- If PLDT fails to comply within 10 days after notice, Secretary may perform necessary relocations or adjustments at PLDT’s expense.
- All internal and external wiring and construction must comply with rules prescribed by the Secretary.
Wire and Cable Management Requirements
- Lines carrying 25 or more pairs of wires must consolidate them into a single cable.
- Lines carrying more than 800 pairs of wires must have cables placed underground, if ordered by the Secretary.
- Infrastructure must not impair other companies' existing facilities for electrical transmission.
Safety and Height Regulations for Poles and Wires
- Poles must support wires at a minimum of 10 feet above ground level.
- In roads or street crossings, wire height must be at least 15 feet.
- Infrastructure placement shall avoid danger to public safety.
- Plans must be approved by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Government's Right to Reacquire Franchise Over Certain Routes
- For additional routes granted (Manila-Albay, Manila-Camarines Sur, Luzon-Mindanao, Manila-Tayabas), government may choose to operate directly.
- Should the government exercise this option, PLDT must surrender its franchise and turn over all serviceable equipment at cost.
Acceptance of Franchise Terms
- PLDT must file a written acceptance of the Act and its terms within 40 days of approval.
- Failure to accept within this period renders the Act null and void.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act takes effect only after the President approves a certification from the Secretary of Public Works and Communications confirming PLDT's acceptance and readiness to comply with all terms and conditions.