Section 35. Powers and Functions of the Director General. —
The Director General shall be the chief executive and operating officer of the Authority. He shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
To carry out the purposes and policies established in this Act; to enforce the provisions of the rules and regulations issued in pursuance to said Act; and he shall primarily be vested with authority to take charge of the technical and operational phase of civil aviation matters;
To designate and establish civil airways, to acquire, control, operate and maintain along such airways, navigation facilities and to chart such airways and arrange for their publication including the aeronautical charts or maps required by the international aeronautical agencies, by utilizing the equipment, supplies or assistance of existing agencies of the government as far as practicable;
To issue airman's certificate specifying the capacity in which the holder thereof is authorized to serve as airman in connection with aircraft and shall be issued only upon the finding that the applicant is properly qualified and physically able to perform the duties of the position. The certificate shall contain such terms, conditions and limitations as the Director General may determine to be necessary to assure safety in air commerce: Provided, however, That the airman's license shall be issued only to qualified persons who are citizens of the Philippines or qualified citizens of countries granting similar rights and privileges to citizens of the Philippines;
To issue airworthiness certificate for aircraft which shall prescribe the duration of such certificate, the type of service for which the aircraft may be used, and such other terms and conditions and limitations as are required;
To issue air carrier operating certificate in accordance with the minimum safety standards for the operation of the air carrier to whom such certificate is issued. The air carrier operating certificate shall be issued only to aircrafts registered under the provisions of this Act;
To issue type certificate for aircraft, aircraft engine, propellers and appliances;
To inspect, classify and rate any air navigation facilities and aerodromes available for the use of aircraft as to its suitability for such use and to issue a certificate for such air navigation facility and aerodrome; and to determine the suitability of foreign aerodromes, air navigation facilities as well as air routes to be used prior to the operation of Philippine-registered aircraft in foreign air transportation and from time to time thereafter as may be required in the interest of safety in air commerce;
To issue certificates of persons or civil aviation schools giving instruction in flying, repair stations, and other air agencies and provide for the examination and rating thereof;
To provide for the enforcement of the rules and regulations issued under the provisions of this Act and to conduct investigation for violations thereto. In undertaking such investigation, to require by subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum, the attendance and testimony of witnesses, the production of books, papers, documents, exhibits matter, evidence, or the taking of depositions before any person authorized to administer oath. Refusal to submit the reasonable requirements of the investigation committee shall be punishable in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
To collect and disseminate information relative to civil aeronautics and the development of air commerce and the aeronautical industry; to exchange with foreign governments, information pertaining to civil aeronautics; and to provide for direct communication on all matters relating to the technical or operational phase of aeronautics with international aeronautical agencies;
To acquire and operate such aircraft as may be necessary to execute the duties and functions of the Authority prescribed in this Act;
To plan, design, acquire, establish, construct, operate, improve, maintain, and repair necessary aerodromes and other air navigation facilities;
To collect and receive charges and fees for the registration of aircraft and for the issuance and/or renewal of licenses or certificates for aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers and appliances, and airmen as provided in this Act;
To impose fines and/or civil penalties in respect thereto;
To participate actively with the largest possible degree in the development of international standardization of practices in aviation matters important to safe, expeditious, and easy navigation, and to implement as far as practicable the international standards, recommended practices and policies adopted by appropriate international aeronautical agencies;
To exercise and perform its powers and duties under this Act consistent with any obligation assumed by the Republic of the Philippines in any treaty, convention or agreement on civil aviation matters;
To cooperate, assist and coordinate with any research and technical agency of the government on matters relating to research and technical studies on design, materials, workmanship, construction, performance, maintenance and operation of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and air navigation facilities including aircraft fuel and oil: Provided, That nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the duplication of the laboratory research, activities or technical studies of any existing governmental agency;
To designate such prohibited and danger areas, in consonance with the requirements of the international aeronautical agencies and national security;
To issue, deny, suspend, cancel or revoke any certificate, license pertaining to aircraft, airmen and air agencies: Provided, That any order denying, suspending, cancelling, revoking the certificate or license may be appealed to the Board, whose decisions shall be final within fifteen (15) days from the date of notification of such denial, cancellation or revocation;
To grant authorization to civil aircraft or persons to carry instruments or photographic devices to be used for aerial photography or taking of pictures by photograph or sketching of any part of the Philippines; and
Pursuant to a board resolution, to enter into, make and execute contracts of any kind with any person, firm, or public or private corporation.