Duterte signs law creating Davao International Airport Authority

Under the law, the DIAA will be an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and will be located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City. (File Photo: Davao International Airport/Facebook)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law creating the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) to manage the Francisco Bangoy International Airport and other airports in the Davao region.

Malacañang on Tuesday released to the media Republic Act No. 11457 or the Charter of the Davao International Airport Authority which Duterte signed on Aug. 30, 2019.

Under the law, the DIAA will be an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and will be located at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

“The Authority shall principally undertake the economical, efficient and 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 law read.

The DIAA should also have the following objectives: Encourage, promote, and develop international and domestic air traffic in Davao Region; and upgrade the services and facilities of Francisco Bangoy International Airport at the same time, formulate internationally acceptable standards of airport accommodation and service.

Among its duties and functions include formulating a comprehensive and integrated development policy and program for the Francisco Bangoy International Airport; controlling, supervising, constructing, maintaining, operating, and providing such facilities or services necessary for the airport to function; promulgating rules and regulations governing the planning, development, maintenance, operation and improvement of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

The DIAA will also have the power to exercise policy authority in connection with the maintenance of security to passengers, cargoes, aircraft, airport equipment, structures, facilities, personnel, funds and documents; regulation of the entry to, exits from and movement within the airports; maintenance of peace and order within the premises of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, among others.

The law also requires “all existing public airport facilities, runways, lands, buildings, and other properties, movable or immovable, belonging to or presently administered by the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and all assets, powers, rights, interests, and privileges relating to airport works or air operations, including all equipment which are necessary for the operation of air navigation, aerodrome control towers, crash, fire, and rescue facilities are hereby transferred to the authority.”

The new airport authority will also administer ongoing projects relating to the construction of Francisco Bangoy International Airport facilities and supply of equipment.

Meanwhile, a Board of Directors will exercise corporate powers over the authority composed of a chairman, vice-chairman, and 13 members.

It designates the Transport Secretary and DIAA general manager as ex-officio chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

The general manager of the Franciso Bangoy International Airport will continue in office until such time a DIAA general manager is appointed.