QuestionsQuestions (DOST ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 013, S. 2013)
It is issued pursuant to Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10535 and it implements the “Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013.”
To prescribe the manner, procedures, and guidelines for effective implementation of RA 10535, facilitate compliance, and achieve its objectives (including setting PHST in official sources, funding synchronized time devices, and declaring National Time Consciousness Week).
It is the national official time in all of the country’s official sources.
TSU is the official unit in PAGASA that maintains the national standard of time and frequency, disseminates precise time and frequency (e.g., via broadcast and internet), extends calibration/standardization services, and exchanges time/frequency data with overseas institutions.
National government agencies (including SUCs and GOCCs), LGUs, government TV/radio stations, private TV/radio stations, private corporations/agencies, and people’s organizations/NGOs/civil society groups.
They must display PhST on their official time devices and make it publicly visible in key places; government devices should be prominently displayed in areas accessible to employees and the public.
At least once a month, through their ICT units or equivalent, they must coordinate with PAGASA’s TSU to synchronize official timepieces/devices.
It maintains the national standard of time/frequency; disseminates precise time/frequency via modes like NTP, telephone, TV and radio; monitors compliance/accuracy and reports to NTC; may notify stations of non-compliance; and devises calibration/synchronization schedules and recommended equipment specifications.
PAGASA monitors implementation and compliance, then advises NTC through end-of-month progress/status reports whether monitored TV/radio stations are compliant. If non-compliance is found, PAGASA must notify the station in writing within 24 hours and include relevant details in the status report to NTC.
A deviation of plus or minus 5 seconds from PhST is tolerable for determining failure.
First offense: fine of not less than ₱30,000 but not more than ₱50,000 and revocation/cancellation of franchise to operate. The IRR also provides that government employees/officers principally responsible may be administratively liable if they fail to calibrate/synchronize, without prejudice to civil/criminal liability.
To enforce/enjoin obedience; to hear and investigate violations (with subpoena powers); and to restrain further violations via writ of injunction or other legal process.
The amounts necessary are to be included in PAGASA’s appropriation under DOST in the General Appropriations Act, and thereafter upgrading/maintenance is to be included in the annual budget of DOST and PAGASA.
DOST is designated as the procurement overseer for such equipment, procured in accordance with RA 9184 and its IRR.
Through PAGASA sites/observatory/forecasting/ICT group; through DOST agencies and PAGASA regional/field stations; through the internet via PAGASA NTP server system; through national/local government offices; through government and private TV/radio stations; and other reliable means providing accurate PhST.
It is institutionalized and celebrated every first week of January every year.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation in the country.