December 22, 2009

NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 08-12-2009

 

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 546, Series of 1979, vests the NTC with the power to grant permits and licenses for the use of radio frequencies and radio communications systems; ScEaAD

WHEREAS, in line with the purposes and objectives of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 223 Series of 2003 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the NTC undertakes to support BFAR's program in granting the moratorium in the issuance of new commercial fishing vessel and gear license (CFGVL) as part of the precautionary approach to fisheries management;

WHEREAS, BFAR has entered into an agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard (PSG), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the NTC to create a Joint Mobile and Registration Licensing Team (JMRLT) to facilitate the conduct of national inventory of commercial fishing vessels and the issuance of new CFVGLs;

WHEREAS, during the Second Organizational Meeting held last 18 August 2009, it was agreed upon by all the Parties to mobilize the JMRLT to address the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Commission hereby directs and orders all vessel owners to register their radio transceivers/transmitters in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Registration shall commence and be conducted by the NTC Regional Offices on the following dates:

1.1 Region IV

1.1.1 Sangley, Cavite — September 16, 2009

1.1.2 Lucena, Quezon — September 18, 2009

1.1.3 Atimonan, Quezon — September 19, 2009

1.1.4 Infanta, Quezon — September 25, 2009

1.1.5 Real, Quezon — September 26, 2009

1.1.6 Batangas — September 30, 2009

1.2 Region XII

1.2.1 General Santos City — September 15 & 26, 2009

1.3 CARAGA

1.3.1 Bislig City, SDS — September 15, 2009

1.3.2 Carrascal, SDS — September 16, 2009 ESacHC

2. Registration shall apply to all radio equipment on board vessels weighing 3.1 gross tons and above and those radio equipment identified under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9379 otherwise known as the "Handline Fishing Law".

3. The registration of radio equipment shall not mean and shall not be construed as an authority to construct and/or operate. A separate permit/license shall be necessary for the construction and operation of each radio equipment.

4. Registered radio transceivers/transmitters shall still be subject to other appropriate licensing requirements of the NTC in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

5. Only type-approved equipment shall be issued corresponding permits and licenses.

6. Registration Fee (Per Unit) —

a.	HF/SSB	-	P5,000.00
b.	VHF/UHF Base/Mobile
	Low Power (Below 25 Watts)	-	P2,000.00
	Medium Power (25 W to 100 W)	-	P3,000.00
	High Power (Above 100 W)	-	P5,000.00
c.	VHF/UHF Portable	-	P1,500.00

The Commission reserves the right to reject the registration of any transceiver/transmitter, if and when warranted, in the interest of public service.

All radio transceiver/transmitter registered under this Circular shall be for the accountability of the registrant. Any violation pertaining to the use of such registered equipment including its use by persons other than the registrant shall be a ground for appropriate administrative sanctions and/or fines and penalties as may be imposed by the Commission under existing rules and regulations.

This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation and three (3) copies having been deposited with the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center. HScaCT

December 22, 2009, Quezon City, Philippines.

(SGD.) GAMALIEL A. CORDOBACommissioner

(SGD.) JAIME M. FORTES, JR.Deputy Commissioner

(SGD.) DOUGLAS MICHAEL N. MALLILLINDeputy Commissioner