An Act To Grant The Pan Asia Newspaper Alliance (Pana) Temporary Permit To Establish A Radio Receiving Station For The Purpose Of Copying For Publication Press Messages From Radio Stations Exterior To The Philippines

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 677

Granting Temporary Permit to PANA for Radio Receiving Station
- Grants Pan Asia Newspaper Alliance (PANA) a temporary permit to establish radio receiving station(s) in the Philippines to copy press messages from radio stations outside the Philippines for publication. (Section 1)
- Allows PANA to install secondary station(s) if unable to use Manila station. (Section 2)
- Authorizes PANA to exercise eminent domain as necessary for efficient operation, with prior approval from the President to construct over public properties. (Section 3)
- Permit valid until the government establishes similar service at PANA's selected locations. (Section 4)

Regulation by Secretary of Public Works and Communications
- Secretary to allot frequencies and wave lengths, and issue license before permit takes effect. (Section 5)
- Secretary may change, cancel, or modify allotments if: (1) PANA impairs communication, stifles competition, obtains monopoly, charges unreasonable rates, or violates laws; (2) frequencies needed for other purposes by government or licensed entities; (3) public interests require change. (Section 6)
- Secretary may appoint boards or agents to investigate facts and summon witnesses. (Section 7)

Government Rights and Obligations
- Government reserves right to take over stations during war, insurrection, public peril, calamity, disaster, or disturbance without compensating PANA. (Section 8)
- Government reserves right to fix maximum and minimum rates PANA can charge non-subscribers. (Section 9)
- PANA liable for taxes on real estate, buildings, personal property, and other taxes under National Internal Revenue Code, but exempt from percentage tax on gross receipts for news reception and distribution to media. (Section 10)
- PANA to hold government exempt from claims arising from accidents or injuries caused by station construction or operation. (Section 11)

Other Provisions
- Permit subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress, and rights to use public property revert to government upon termination. (Section 12)
- Unlawful for PANA to use involuntary servitude labor. (Section 13)
- PANA to execute bond for faithful performance during first 3 years, to be cancelled by Secretary if obligations fulfilled. (Section 14)
- Permit not an exclusive grant. (Section 15)
- Act effective upon approval on April 3, 1952. (Section 16)