The widespread adoption of drones across industries — from surveying and film-making to logistics and agriculture — has transformed the Philippine commercial landscape. Yet as drone operations grow, so do the risks arising from unregistered, unregulated, and often untraceable units flown in sensitive airspace. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has established rules for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), but without a mandatory national registry backed by clear legislation, dangerous flights continue unchecked. In recent months, the rise of online posts showing small drones flying near active aerodromes and even military facilities highlights the urgent need for a stronger legal and regulatory framework.
Safety and Security Risks Are Increasing: Registration is the First Line of Defense
Drones operating near airports pose a direct and immediate danger to aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing. Even lightweight consumer drones can damage engines, rotors, or windshields, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. Unauthorized drone flights near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and provincial aerodromes demonstrate that rules alone are not enough — authorities must be able to trace, investigate, and penalize operators swiftly.
Equally alarming are cases where drone pilots post aerial videos near military bases, naval facilities, and critical infrastructure — unintentionally aiding hostile surveillance efforts. Because many of these drones are unregistered, law enforcement has limited ability to track operators or enforce penalties. A national database of drone owners, serial numbers, and operator licenses gives the government the ability to attribute flights, monitor patterns, and act quickly when security is compromised.
DJI & Other Major Manufacturers Follow Aviation Protocols: But El Cheapo Non-Compliant Drones Do Not
Global market leaders like DJI, Autel, and Skydio incorporate geofencing and airspace-restriction technologies into their drones. DJI, for example, embeds No-Fly Zone (NFZ) restrictions around active aerodromes, major airports, power plants, and sensitive installations. These systems prevent drones from taking off or entering restricted areas unless the operator files an authorization and unlocks the device through verified procedures. Such protections align with international aviation standards and help prevent accidental incursions into protected airspace.
However, the Philippine market is now flooded with ultra-cheap, unbranded, or low-quality China-made drones sold on e-commerce platforms with no geofencing, no altitude limits, no firmware safeguards, and no compliance with CAAP rules or global aviation protocols. These drones are often marketed as “toy-grade,” yet many can fly hundreds of meters high and several kilometers away — easily reaching airports, seaports, or military zones. Because they lack automated restrictions, inexperienced or reckless operators can unknowingly (or intentionally) violate airspace, putting aircraft and national security at risk.
Without mandatory registration, these non-compliant drones remain invisible to regulators and difficult to trace after violations.
Legislation is Already on the Table: But Needs Urgent Action
Several bills across the Senate and House of Representatives seek to address this gap:
- Senate Bill 1777 (Sen. Raffy Tulfo) — The “Drone Regularization Act,” requiring mandatory registration of all drone owners and operators with CAAP, plus permits for commercial use.
- Senate Bill 2526 (Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III) — A measure regulating drone ownership and operation; includes classification and mandatory registration provisions.
- House Bill 4555 (previous Congress) — Required the recording of identities of all drone operators and registration of all units with CAAP.
Despite repeated filings over multiple Congresses, no comprehensive drone-registration law has been enacted. This legislative gap directly contributes to the proliferation of unregulated and unsafe drone operations.
Why Mandatory Registration Supports Both Safety and Industry Growth
A national registration system would:
- Enhance accountability and traceability of all drone operations
- Support law enforcement during investigations of airspace violations
- Deter reckless drone flying through enforceable penalties
- Build public trust in commercial drone services
- Encourage operators to use compliant hardware with built-in safety protocols
- Align the Philippines with ICAO-recommended international UAS standards
Professional drone operators and legitimate businesses stand to benefit the most, as registration elevates the industry’s credibility and helps prevent disruptions caused by irresponsible flyers.
A Call to Lawmakers and CAAP: Strengthen Drone Regulation Now
The technology is evolving rapidly — and so are the risks. CAAP must be empowered with a comprehensive, enforceable legal framework that mandates registration of all commercial drones, including low-cost imports that lack aviation-safety features. Congress must finally pass pending bills like SB 1777 and SB 2526 and update them with modern provisions such as remote ID, geofencing requirements, and multi-agency enforcement protocols.
Every day without a mandatory registration law increases the likelihood of a serious incident. The Philippines must act now — before an avoidable drone-related accident or security breach endangers lives or compromises critical national infrastructure.