Philippine Civil Aeronautics Act

Key terms are specifically defined to govern interpretation: Administrator, Aerodrome, Aeronautics, Air carrier, Aircraft, Airman, Board, Citizen of the Philippines, Civil Aircraft, Foreign Air Carrier, Public Aircraft, Permit, Person, among others.
Definitions cover technical aspects of aviation and entities related to air commerce.

Promote development and utilization of Philippine air potential.
Encourage air transportation systems adapted to commerce, postal service, and national defense.
Regulate air transportation for safety, economic soundness, and fair competition.
Foster adequate and economical service with reasonable charges.
Promote safety of flight and encourage civil aeronautics development.

CAB composed of Secretary of Commerce and Industry (Chairman), Civil Aeronautics Administrator, Philippine Air Force Commander, and two presidential appointees.
Members hold office at president's pleasure; no pecuniary interest allowed in civil aeronautics enterprises.
Principal office in Manila; quorum requires chairman plus two members.
Permanent secretary (lawyer) records proceedings; stenographer and other staff employed.
Temporary experts/consultants may be employed with presidential approval.
Annual report to the President including data and legislative recommendations.

Regulate economic aspects and supervision of air carriers, their properties, and franchises.
Issue, amend, suspend, or revoke permits and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).
Fix and approve reasonable air carrier rates, charges, and fares considering public interest and economic factors.
Authorize domestic and international charters and special air services.
Approve capital changes, equipment sales, mergers, and acquisitions involving air carriers.
Investigate air carrier management and require detailed reports under oath.
Require production and filing of contracts, accounts, and records.
Investigate violations and impose penalties or fines.
Issue subpoenas and require witness testimony.
Review or appeal decisions of the Administrator regarding airmen and aircraft grounding or certificate actions.
Consult Department of Foreign Affairs on foreign air agreements.

Permit issued by CAB permitting engagement in air commerce or transportation domestically or internationally.
Permits have specific terms including routes, schedules, and services; changes require CAB approval.
No proprietary rights granted over airspace or navigation facilities.
Permits may be modified, suspended, or revoked for public interest or noncompliance.
Citizenship requirement: domestic permits issued only to Philippine citizens, unless treaty provisions provide otherwise.
CAB proceedings for permit applications are governed by CAB rules, may include hearings, notices, and depositions.
Failure to appear may result in ex parte proceedings.

Under Department of Commerce and Industry administrative supervision.
Headed by Administrator and Deputy Administrator appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments consent.
Administrator oversees enforcement of laws and regulations; annual reports required.
Division chiefs and personnel appointed as needed, with provisions for temporary experts.

Implement purposes and policies of the Act.
Establish and control civil airways and air navigation facilities.
Issue airman certificates, airworthiness certificates, and air carrier operating certificates with safety standards.
Inspect and certify navigation facilities and aerodromes.
License aviation schools, repair stations, and air agencies.
Promulgate safety rules on personnel licensing, aircraft, navigation, operations, accident inquiry, etc.
Investigate violations and aircraft accidents with recommendations to CAB.
Exchange aeronautical information internationally.
Operate government aerodromes and Manila International Airport with authority to manage facilities, contracts, fees, and property.
Issue permits for aerial photography within the Philippines.

Only Philippine citizens may register aircraft in the Philippines, no foreign registration permitted concurrently.
Registration applications must include detailed aircraft specifications.
Certificates of registration issued by the Administrator; may be revoked if eligibility is lost.
Conveyances affecting aircraft ownership must be recorded with CAA to be valid against third parties.

Operating air commerce without a permit punishable by fines up to PHP 5,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both.
Violations of permit terms, Board orders, or rules incur fines up to PHP 1,000 per offense.
Specific offenses include unauthorized discounts, unjust rates, unlicensed airmen, unregistered aircraft operation, unauthorized mergers or acquisitions, and interference with Board duties.
Penalties increase with repeated offenses and may result in revocation of certificates or permits.
Interfering with air navigation or forging certificates carries fines up to PHP 5,000 and/or imprisonment.
Organizational officers may be held personally liable for unlawful acts.

CAB orders and decisions enforceable by civil remedies.
Orders take effect as prescribed; emergency safety orders may be immediate without prior hearing.
Parties may petition for reconsideration within 15 days.
CAB decisions become final after 15 days unless appealed to the Supreme Court by certiorari.
Supreme Court may review CAB decisions for lack of evidence, legality, or jurisdiction.
General penalty for unspecified violations is a fine not exceeding PHP 500.
CAB may compromise penalties; failure to comply may result in suspension of permits.

Fees imposed for applications, certificates, registration, and official document certifications.
Fees collected form a revolving fund for air navigation facilities and Manila International Airport operations.

Severability clause ensures invalidity of any part does not affect the rest of the Act.
Repeal or modification of conflicting laws and transfer of personnel and unexpended appropriations to reorganized entities.
Appropriations authorized for personnel and administrative expenses.
The Act took effect upon approval in 1952.