Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo. 7650

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones for civilian applications in
recent years, has presented many countries with regulatory challenges especially the Philippines.
Such challenges include the need to ensure that drones are operated safely, without harming
public and national security, and in a way that would protect areas of national, historical, or
natural importance.

Although the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in its website provides
a video on the rules and regulations on drones, this is not enough given the fact that drones has
already proliferated in our society. Nowadays, drones are being used for photography, to increase
crop production, and to conduct surveillance for military and law enforcement agencies.

These same drones are also used for recreational and commercial purposes and could
violate rights, exploited by terrorists, or pose a hazard to aircraft.

The use of cameras on drones to record images, including people without their consent,
poses issues of privacy. The privacy and data protection obligations that arise can be further
complicated if images are then posted on social media and evolve from private content into
public content.

In view of the above, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

. ILLA
2" District of Cavite


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7 650

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

AN ACT REGULATING THE OWNERSHIP AND OPERATION OF DRONES BY
PRIVATE PERSONS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to regulate the ownership
and operation of drones by private persons in order to ensure public safety.

Section 2. Coverage. This Act shall regulate only drones as defined herein, purchased,
owned and operated by private persons, whether used for hobbyist or commercial purposes. The
use of drones by the Government shall not be subject to this Act.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

1. “Drone” — shall refer to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or any component of an
unmanned aerial system (UAS) that has no pilot and is controlled by an operator on the
ground. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is authorized by this Act
to classify drones into types for the purpose of regulation.

2. “Private Persons” — shall refer to natural or juridical persons not employed by or part of
the Government.

3. “Commercial Drone Use” — is any use of a drone in connection with a business or
profession for the sake of profit, whether the profit is the primary purpose of the drone
use or merely an incidental result.

4. “Hobbyist Drone Use” — the use of drones for recreational purposes where no profit is
made from the use of drones.

Section 4. Registration and Permit to Operate. — All drone owners, whether the drones are
for hobbyist or commercial use, are hereby required to periodically register their drones with the
CAAPs Public Safety and Security Command Center.


Only a registered commercial drone owner may apply for a permit to operate, which shall be
issued periodically upon proof that the owner:
a. Qualifies for a radio operator’s certificate of proficiency;
b. Has been awarded a passing rating in an aviation license theory examination;
c. Has completed a training course in the operation of the type of drone that will be
operated;
d. Has at least five (5) hours of experience operating drones outside of controlled airspace;
¢. Has valid insurance over the drone; and,
f. Has not incurred any violations for drone ownership or use in the five (5) years
immediately preceding an application for permit.

The operator’s permit to operate shall cover all registered drones of the same type.

The Authority is hereby authorized to collect reasonable fees for the registration of drones
and processing of permits to operate the drones.

Section 5. Establishment of No-Drone Zones. — The CAAP is hereby authorized to
prohibit the use of drones, whether hobbyist or commercial or both, in any part of the
Philippines, whether permanently or for a designated period of time, subject to notice that must
be published in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

The notice must clearly state the no-drone zone and must be published at least three (3)
weeks prior to the effectivity of the prohibition. Notice can only be foregone in emergency
situations, as determined by the CAAP.

This power is without prejudice to the power of other government agencies to regulate
airspace, particularly in emergency situations that may require the establishment of no-fly zones.

Section 6. General Safety Regulations and Restrictions on Drone Usage. — The CAAP shall
periodically update and publish safety regulations and restrictions of drone usage, the violation
of which shall be the basis for revocation of the permit to operate and confiscation of the drone,
without prejudice to the penalties provided in this Act and any civil or criminal suits that may be
filed as a result of the violation. These safety regulations and restrictions shall include:
1. Requiring all drones, whether for hobbyist or commercial use, to be clearly marked with
the name, contact number, and address of the owner;
2. Prohibiting the use of drones as a means to violate constitutional rights, including the
right to privacy;


3. A prohibition on flying drones above four hundred (400) feet;

4. A prohibition on flying drones near aircraft, particularly near airports;

5. Allowing drone operation only during daylight hours and in good weather, subject to
exceptions to be crafted by the CAAP;

6. The prohibition on flying drones over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of
people, subject to exceptions to be crafted by the CAAP;

7. The prohibition on flying drones near emergencies, such as fires;

8. The prohibition on flying drones under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

9. For recreational drone use, requiring an operator to keep the drone within the operator's
line of sight; and

10. Other regulations as the CAAP may see fit to introduce in the interest of public safety,
such as further restriction on types of drones as classified by the CAAP.

Section 7. Penalties.- Failure to register a drone shall result in the confiscation of the drone.

Operating a drone for commercial purposes without a permit shall result in the confiscation
of the drone and a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP50,000.00) but not more than
One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 100,000.00).

Any violation of the general safety regulations and restrictions on drone usage shall result in
a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 100,000.00) but not more than Five
Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00), without prejudice to any separate civil or criminal
charges that may be brought against the drone owner and/or operator for any injury or damage
resulting from the violation.

Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The CAAP shall issue the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act.

Section 9. Retroactivity Clause. ~ This Act shall have retroactive effect. All drone owners
who have not yet registered their drones or obtained permits to operate their drones are given
ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act to
register and obtain permits without fear of sanction.

Section 10. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared void or
unconstitutional, the remaining portions or provisions of this Act shall not be affected by such
declaration.


Section 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Section 12. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,