Key Definitions
- Accounting Authority (AA): Organization designated to act as billing intermediary between maritime mobile stations and service providers.
- Maritime Mobile Service: Covers maritime mobile satellite service and MF, HF, VHF radio media.
- Maritime Mobile Satellite Service: Includes ship-based mobile earth stations, survival craft stations, emergency position-indicating radio beacons, and Inmarsat communications.
- Service Provider: Recognized private operating agency authorized to provide communications to/from maritime mobile stations.
- Maritime Bill: Bill issued for charges related to maritime mobile traffic.
- Administration: National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in this context.
- ITU-T: International body responsible for telecommunications standardization.
- ITU Recommendation D.90: Principles for charging, billing, and international settlement in maritime mobile service.
General Provisions
- Accounting Authorities must register with the Commission and undergo periodic review.
- Must notify Commission 6 months prior to relinquishing the authority.
- Must notify Commission 3 months before ownership transition; new owners treated as new applicants.
- Each Accounting Authority receives a unique Identification Code (Country code + numeric code).
- Responsible for timely remittance of valid charges to foreign administrations.
- Must cooperate with the Commission on maritime settlement issues.
- Mandated to retain accounting records for at least 5 years.
- NTC submits Accounting Authorities' data to ITU Radiocommunications Bureau.
- ITU-T Recommendation D.90 is incorporated as part of the governing framework.
Qualifications of Accounting Authority
- Must be organized under Philippine laws for maritime accounting and related services.
- Must possess expertise in maritime accounting and billing.
- Required authorized capitalization of PHP 4,000,000.
- Must provide full accounting facilities including electronic billing and software capabilities.
Application Requirements
- Letter of Intent.
- Completed application form.
- Certified true copies of SEC Registration, Articles of Incorporation, or DTI Registration Certificate.
- Latest audited financial statement if applicable.
- Organizational structure and personnel list.
- List of equipment and office facilities.
- Detailed billing and collection procedures including flowcharts.
- Economic viability and financial feasibility study.
Role and Responsibilities of Accounting Authority
- Provide clear account statements following ITU-T Recommendation D.90.
- Obtain and share tariff information from service providers.
- Guarantee payment of collection charges from Philippine maritime mobile stations.
- Maintain accurate and updated ship station records; report changes immediately to ITU via NTC.
- Submit quarterly updated shipping company account status to the Commission.
- Issue certifications evidencing updated payments for licensing purposes.
- Comply with additional requirements as mandated by the Commission.
Granting and Validity of Certificate of Recognition
- Certificate issued upon compliance with Circular provisions.
- Initial Certificate valid for 6 months (temporary).
- Subsequent renewals valid for one year.
Grounds for Denial, Suspension, or Revocation
- Incomplete applications.
- Failure to provide requested information.
- Inability to meet Circular provisions.
- Failure to submit required reports.
- Non-payment of fees.
- Violations of Circular terms.
Fees and Charges
- Filing Fee: PHP 500.
- Temporary Certificate Fee: PHP 2,500.
- Regular Certificate Fee: PHP 5,000 per year.
- Inspection Fee: PHP 1,200 per year.
Penalties and Sanctions
- Penalty fine of PHP 5,000 for each violation of Circular provisions.
- Other violations of Radio Laws subject to Commission's schedule of fines.
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Three certified true copies furnished to UP Law Center for record.