Duterte signs law creating Davao International Airport Authority

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure creating the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) to maintain and operate the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

Republic Act No. 11457 or the "Charter of the Davao International Airport Authority" was signed by Duterte on August 30, 2019. Copies of the law was released to the media on Tuesday.

Under the measure, the DIAA, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), shall "principally undertake the economical, efficient, and effective control, management and supervision of Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, existing airports in Davao Region and such other airports as may thereafter be established in any of the provinces of the same region."

The newly created authority is also mandated to encourage, promote, and develop international and domestic air traffic in Davao Region as a means of making the region a center of international trade and tourism, and accelerating the development of the means of transportation and communications in the country.

The DIAA is also tasked to upgrade the services and facilities of Francisco Bangoy International Airport and formulate internationally acceptable standards of airport accommodation and service, according to RA 11457.

The body was also given the authority to exercise all powers of a corporation; levy and collect dues, charges, fees for the use of the airport; and invest its idle funds.

The RA 11457 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2168 and House Bill No. 8691, which was passed to the Office of the President on June 4, 2019. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News