It is strictly regulated.
Flying drones over private property in the Philippines requires compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part 14, enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Permission from property owners is mandatory, and unauthorized flights may violate privacy laws under the Data Privacy Act. The CAAP’s 2024 amendments to CAR Part 14, effective by 2026, impose stricter penalties for reckless drone operations, including fines up to ₱500,000 and potential criminal liability for violations of property rights.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Philippines
- Prior Consent Required: Operators must secure written permission from property owners before flying drones over private land, as stipulated in CAAP Memorandum Circular No. 2023-005. Unauthorized flights constitute trespass under local civil codes.
- Altitude and Distance Limits: Drones must maintain a minimum 50-meter horizontal distance from private structures and a maximum altitude of 120 meters above ground level (AGL), per CAR Part 14. Violations trigger immediate enforcement actions.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Capturing images or recordings of private property without consent violates the Data Privacy Act, subjecting operators to administrative and criminal sanctions. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) monitors compliance.