Law Summary
Composition and Qualifications of the Board
- Composed of three members: a Chairman and two members.
- All members hold the rank and benefits equivalent to an Assistant Secretary.
- Appointment by the President on recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation and Communications.
- Required qualifications:
- One member must be a lawyer with at least five years of practice in the Philippines.
- One member must hold an engineering degree with at least five years of experience.
- One member must possess a degree in economics, finance, or management with equivalent experience.
Executive Director and Support Staff
- The Board is assisted by an Executive Director appointed by the President, ranking as a Department Service Chief.
- The Executive Director aids the Board in fulfilling its mandate.
- Support divisions include Technical Evaluation, Legal, Management Information, Administrative, and Finance.
Administrative Supervision
- The Secretary of Transportation and Communications, through an Undersecretary, exercises supervision and control over the Board.
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Prescribes and regulates routes, capacities, and operational zones for motorized public land transportation.
- Issues, amends, suspends, or cancels Certificates of Public Convenience and permits.
- Determines, reviews, and adjusts fares and related charges.
- May issue injunctions and punish contempt as per Rules of Court.
- Has authority to issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, and administer oaths.
- Conducts investigations and hearings on violations of public service laws and Board regulations.
- Reviews decisions or actions of Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices on its own initiative.
- Promulgates procedural rules, emphasizing speediness and objectivity over formal legal technicalities.
- Fixes, imposes, collects, and adjusts fees for services rendered.
- Formulates and enforces rules on transport standards and safety measures.
- Coordinates with other government agencies for improving public land transportation services.
- Performs other functions as necessary or provided by law.
Decision-Making and Appeals
- The Board sits en banc, requiring at least two members’ concurrence for decisions.
- Decisions order or resolutions are appealable to the Secretary of Transportation and Communications within 30 days.
- The Secretary may review decisions motu proprio before they become final.
Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices
- Established in each administrative region, headed by a Regional Manager with rank equivalent to Assistant Regional Director.
- These offices handle uncontested route applications and petitions regionally.
- Matters outside territorial jurisdiction are decided by the central Board.
Appeals from Regional Offices
- Decisions of Regional Offices are appealable to the Board within 30 days of receipt.
Funding and Appropriations
- Initial funding drawn from the Department of Transportation and Communications’ funds.
- Subsequent budgets included in the General Appropriations Act.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.