Title
Franchise for Filipinas Orient Airways
Law
Republic Act No. 4147
Decision Date
Jun 20, 1964
Republic Act No. 4147 grants Filipinas Orient Airways, Inc. the franchise to establish and maintain air transport services in the Philippines and other countries, subject to regulations, inspections, and taxation, with a term of fifty years and the requirement of majority Filipino ownership.
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Operational Requirements and Service Maintenance

  • The grantee must maintain scheduled or non-scheduled services except in cases of force majeure or adverse weather conditions.
  • Service frequencies should meet traffic demands.

Regulation of Rates and Aircraft Standards

  • Rates for passengers and freight must be just, reasonable, and uniform, subject to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approval.
  • CAB decisions are reviewable by courts.
  • Aircraft and crew must be licensed and comply with technical, safety, and equipment standards as prescribed by governmental aviation authorities.
  • Regular inspection and compliance with Republic Act No. 776 and current regulations are mandatory.

Use of Government Facilities and Reciprocal Rights

  • The grantee may use government-owned landing and replenishment facilities under prescribed conditions, excluding those restricted for military or naval reasons.
  • The government may also use the grantee’s facilities reciprocally.

Authority to Operate Radio and Communication Equipment

  • The grantee may establish and operate wireless telegraphy, direction-finding stations, and other radio navigation aids.
  • Communication facilities are to be used solely for operational and weather-related transmissions.

Contracts with Government and Foreign Airlines

  • The grantee is authorized to enter into transport contracts with the Philippine government, including mail carriage, with preferential consideration.
  • It can also contract with foreign airlines for maintenance and services.

Government Takeover During Emergencies

  • The government may take over and operate the grantee’s equipment during war, insurrection, or national emergencies, compensating for use or damages.

Compliance with Philippine Laws

  • The grantee is subject to all existing and future Philippine laws.

Eminent Domain Rights

  • The grantee may exercise eminent domain for necessary facilities with Presidential approval, subject to legal procedures and just compensation.
  • No property can be taken without condemnation proceedings.

Prohibition on Involuntary Servitude

  • It is unlawful for the grantee to employ or contract labor involving involuntary servitude.

Indemnification Clause

  • The grantee must hold government entities harmless from claims arising out of accidents or damages caused by operations.

Franchise Tax and Fiscal Obligations

  • A 2% quarterly tax on gross revenues must be paid to the National Government in lieu of other local or national taxes.
  • If tax deficiencies are found after audit, payment is required within ten days.
  • Real property taxes are separate and must be paid according to law.

Accounting and Reporting Requirements

  • The grantee must maintain detailed accounts and submit quarterly gross revenue reports to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
  • All financial records must be kept in the Philippines and are subject to inspection.
  • The Commissioner’s audit is final, with court appeal rights preserved.
  • "Gross receipts," "revenue," and "earnings" are defined broadly to cover all related income.

National Capital Ownership Requirement

  • At least 60% of the company’s capital stock must be owned by Philippine citizens at all times.
  • Failure to maintain this ownership threshold can lead to franchise cancellation.

Non-Exclusivity of Franchise

  • The franchise does not grant exclusive rights to the grantee.

Congressional Control

  • The franchise is subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Philippine Congress.

Term of Franchise

  • The franchise validity is for 50 years from acceptance by the grantee.

Acceptance of Franchise

  • The franchise must be accepted in writing and filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board within two years of approval.

Bond Requirement

  • The grantee must post a bond of 20,000 pesos guaranteeing establishment and operation of chosen lines within one year of acceptance.
  • Failure to comply leads to automatic cancellation of the franchise.
  • Bond is cancellable after one year of satisfactory operation.

Restrictions on Transfer and Assignment

  • Lease, transfer, sale, assignment, usufruct grants, or mergers require prior Congressional approval.
  • New owners or merged entities must comply with all franchise conditions.
  • Abandonment of any line for one year can cause franchise cancellation through judicial proceedings.

Forfeiture and Penalties for Violations

  • Substantial violations of the Act lead to forfeiture of franchise and business privileges after due proceedings.
  • Penalties include fines up to 20,000 pesos.

National Flag Carrier Status

  • Aircraft used for international flights by the grantee are considered Philippine national flag carriers.

Reversion of Property upon Termination

  • Public lands and properties used by the grantee revert to the government upon franchise termination.
  • Undisposed real property must revert to the government within two years after termination.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The provisions take effect upon approval.

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