Title
Franchise for Cebu Air transport services
Law
Republic Act No. 7151
Decision Date
Aug 22, 1991
A case involving the franchise grant and operations of Cebu Air, Inc., including compliance with regulations, duration and revocation of the franchise, use of government facilities, and restrictions on lease and transfer, with the possibility of government takeover in emergencies and the requirement of a public offering of stocks.
A

Permits, Licensing and Regulation by Civil Aeronautics Board

  • Cebu Air must secure appropriate permits and licenses from the Civil Aeronautics Board for operations.
  • All aircraft and equipment must be kept airworthy, with government-licensed crew members.
  • Equipment must have radio communication, safety and other prescribed apparatus.
  • Operations and equipment subject to inspection by the Air Transportation Office.
  • Compliance mandated with R.A. No. 776 and related regulations.

Obligation to Public Transport Services

  • Cebu Air to maintain scheduled, non-scheduled, and charter air services across the Philippines and internationally, subject to weather conditions and force majeure.
  • At least 25% of total flight frequencies must serve domestic routes.

Rate Setting and Regulation

  • Rates for passenger, mail, goods, and freight transportation must be just and reasonable.
  • Rates are subject to regulation and approval by the Civil Aeronautics Board and other government agencies.

Franchise Term and Revocation

  • Franchise valid for 40 years from approval date, unless revoked or cancelled earlier.
  • Failure to commence operation within 2 years results in automatic revocation of the franchise.

Use of Landing and Airport Facilities

  • Authorized use of government-owned landing and airport facilities subject to terms set by the Philippine Government.
  • Philippine Government retains reciprocal right to use grantee's airport facilities within the country.

Contracts and Preferential Government Engagement

  • Authorized to enter contracts with the Philippine Government, including mail carriage, with preferential consideration.
  • May engage in contracts with foreign airlines, especially on international routes.

Government's Right to Takeover

  • In national emergencies, the government can take over and operate the grantee’s equipment, compensating for use or damages.

Public Equity Participation Requirement

  • Must offer at least 30% of common stocks to the public within 10 years.
  • No single person or entity may own more than 5% of the stock offerings.

Warranty and Hold Harmless Clause

  • Grantee shall hold national and local governments harmless from claims arising out of accidents or injuries caused solely by grantee's operations.

Tax Obligations

  • Grantee shall pay 5% franchise tax on gross transport operation revenues.
  • Subject to income and real property taxes as per existing laws.
  • Ensures parity if competitors receive tax privileges.

Restrictions on Transfer and Assignment

  • Franchise and rights cannot be transferred, leased, sold, or assigned without prior congressional approval.
  • Any assignee is subject to all conditions of the franchise.

Legislative Amendments

  • Franchise is subject to amendment or repeal by Congress in the interest of the common good.

Separability Clause

  • Invalidity of any provision does not affect validity of the remaining provisions of the franchise.

Repealing Clause

  • All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in at least two national newspapers.

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