Duterte approves creation of Davao International Airport Authority

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law creating the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA), a body tasked to manage and supervise the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and all airports in the Davao region.

Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11457 on August 30, a copy of the law was released to the media on Tuesday.

The law said DIAA would operate under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its principal office would be located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

“The Authority shall principally undertake the economical, efficient, effective control, management and supervision of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, the existing airports in the Davao Region, and such other airports as may thereafter be established in any of the provinces of the same region,” the new law said.

The law mandates the DIAA “to encourage, promote and develop international and air domestic traffic in Davao region as a means of making the region a center of international trade and tourism and accelerating the development of the means of transportation and communication in the country.”

It also ordered the DIAA to upgrade the services and facilities of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

The DIAA, the new law said, has the power to exercise police authority, “as may be necessary,” within its premises of areas of operation to carry out its functions and attain its purposes and objectives.

It added that all existing public airport facilities, runways, lands, buildings and other properties, movable or immovable, belong to Francisco Bangoy International Airport would be transferred to the DIAA.

The DIAA, it further said, would also have the jurisdiction over all assets, powers, rights, interests and privileges relating to airport works or air operations.

“All ongoing projects relating to the construction of Francisco Bangoy International Aiport facilities and supply of equipment shall be administered and undertaken by the Authority,” the law said.

The DIAA would have an authorized capital stock equal to the value of fixed assets, including airport facilities, runways, and equipment and such other properties, movable and immovable, currently administered by or belonging to the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the value of real estate owned by the said airport and government contribution in such amount as may be deemed an appropriate initial balance.

The corporate powers of the DIAA would be exercised by and vested in the Board of Directors composed of a chairman, vice chairman, and 13 members.

The law designated the transportation secretary and the DIAA general manager as ex officio chairman and vice chairman of the board, respectively.

The board, the law said, is tasked to approve the DIAA’s programs, plans, policies, procedures and guidelines for the development and operation of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

DIAA was also granted the authority to appoint the DIAA general manager; approve the DIAA’s organizational and administrative structure, as well as salary ranges and benefits.

The board is also ordered to fix the rate of dues, charges, fees or assessments for the use of airport premises, work appliances, facilities, concessions, services and other fees and charges related to the activities of the airport.

The new law mandated the submission of annual report of the activities and operations of the DIAA, together with the audit report, to Congress. /gsg