Location and Conduct of Meetings
- Board's main office is in Manila but may hold meetings anywhere in the Philippine Islands.
- Flexibility in conducting proceedings to ensure efficiency and justice.
Official Seal and Authentication
- Board possesses a seal inscribed with "Board of Rate Regulation."
- All official acts, orders, and certificates are authenticated by this seal.
Quorum and Hearings
- Majority of the Board members constitute a quorum.
- Investigations or hearings may be conducted by one or more members with subsequent Board approval.
Supervisory Powers Over Public-Service Corporations
- Board has authority to supervise, fix, revise, regulate, reduce, or increase rates charged by public-service corporations.
- Duty to ensure corporations’ compliance with Board orders and applicable laws.
Information and Reports from Public-Service Corporations
- Power to demand necessary information and full reports under oath.
- Failure to comply leads to a penalty of two hundred pesos per day of default.
Examination of Witnesses and Evidence
- Board members may administer oaths and examine witnesses without strict observance of technical evidence rules.
- False testimony or affidavit before the Board constitutes perjury.
Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas
- Board or members may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum.
- Process served by legally authorized officers akin to court processes.
Court Assistance and Contempt Powers
- Courts may compel compliance with subpoenas and enforce attendance or production of evidence.
- Disobedience may be punished as contempt of court.
Subpoenas from Courts
- Courts can issue subpoenas for Board proceedings upon application by Board members.
- Noncompliance can lead to penalties similar to court subpoena disobedience.
Witness Compensation
- Witnesses subpoenaed by the Board receive fees and mileage like Court of First Instance witnesses.
- Payment responsibilities differ depending on which party summons the witness.
Testimony by Deposition
- Board may order testimony to be taken by deposition according to the Civil Procedure Code.
Immunity from Self-Incrimination
- No person can refuse to testify or produce evidence on grounds of self-incrimination in Board or court proceedings under this Act.
- Immunity from prosecution except for perjury is granted to such witnesses.
Penalties for Noncompliance with Board Orders
- Refusal to attend, testify, or produce documents results in fines or imprisonment.
Penalties for Obstruction and Misconduct
- Fines or imprisonment for obstructing the Board or behaving improperly during its proceedings.
Power to Determine and Enforce Just and Reasonable Rates
- Board determines just and reasonable rates, regulations, and practices after full hearing.
- May issue cease and desist orders and compel compliance.
Formality and Effectivity of Board Orders
- Orders are in writing, certified under the Board seal, and admissible as prima facie evidence in courts.
- Orders take effect after a reasonable period (minimum 30 days) and last up to two years unless altered.
Service and Suspension of Board Orders
- Orders served personally or by registered mail to corporations.
- Board authorized to suspend or modify orders with due notice.
- Corporations obligated to comply while orders are in effect.
Penalties for Violation of Board Orders
- Forfeiture of 2,000 to 10,000 pesos for knowing failure to comply with orders.
- Each violation and day of continuing violation considered a separate offense.
Rehearings and Appeals within the Board
- Interested parties may apply for rehearing.
- Rehearings proceed with similar formalities to original hearings.
- Revisions to orders possible post-rehearing without suspending compliance unless ordered.
Penalties for Violations and Enforcement
- Forfeitures up to 10,000 pesos for violations, failure to comply, or overcharges.
- Additional fines/imprisonment for officers aiding violations.
- Burden of proof lies with the corporation claiming Board actions are unjust or unreasonable.
- Attorney-General represents the Government and Board.
Reporting to Legislature
- Annual report to the Philippine Legislature including copies of orders and recommendations.
Expenses of the Board
- Expenses paid from appropriations upon Governor-General’s approval.
Scope and Definitions
- Applies to all public-service corporations (domestic or foreign) operating in the Philippines.
- Includes railroads, telegraph/telephone companies, utilities, carriers, and those using streets/public ways.
- Excludes municipal corporations and government-owned/control entities.
- "Rates" include fares, tolls, charges, and compensation.
Government Rights and Legislative Expediting
- The Act does not impair government rights in franchises.
- The Act’s passage expedited due to public necessity.
Effective Date
- The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.