Cell Phones, Mobile Devices Now Allowed To Be Used During Philippine Flights

Cellular phones, laptops and other mobile devices are now allowed to be used during commercial flights in the Philippines.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released Tuesday a memorandum stating that it has allowed "the use of transmitting portable electronic devices specifically laptops and cellular phones including MP# and GSMOBA, on a conditional basis, on all commercial aircraft operating within or en route the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines."

In an interview with ANC, CAAP deputy director general John Andrews said the restriction on the use of mobile devices was removed because "we believe we know it does not impair the safety of flights."

"There's no safety issue involved. Now the airlines will either have to comply with it or make their own adjustments as far as the restriction is concerned," he said.

The use of cellphones and other mobile devices is subject to the following conditions and limitations:

When the aircraft doors are still open, passengers can use their electronic devices for internet, SMS or voice call, unless the pilot and or the Senior Cabin Crew would specifically announced not to do so.

In addition, the use of the said devices are not allowed and must be turned off when the aircraft is re-fueling.

CAAP added that once the plane's doors are closed, mobile devices should be on silent mode and may be used only for internet or text messages. Voice communications will not be allowed.

MP3's are also okay to use for as long as passengers will use earphones and not external speakers and or amplifiers.

CAAP said that the memorandum will take effect fifteen (15) days after getting published in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy filed with the UP Law Center-Office of the National Administrative Register in UP Diliman, Quezon City.