Section 31Sec./Art. 31

Interpretation. -This Act shall be subject to and consistent with the regulatory powers of the State to promote public interest in Article IX-C, Section 4 and Article XII, Section 17 of the Constitution.

No franchise, certificate, concession, or authorization granted by the appropriate Administrative Agencies pursuant to this Act shall be: (a) exclusive in character; (b) for a longer period than fifty (50) years:Provided,That if a public service has maintained an exemplary record in the delivery of services, and has made substantial investments on infrastructure, technology or equipment for its operations, such performance and size of investment shall be taken into consideration, and the application for renewal of the franchise, certificate, concession or authorization of the public service shall be given priority by the appropriate Administrative Agencies; and (c) granted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the public interest so requires.