Question & AnswerQ&A (DOST ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 013, S. 2013)
The primary purpose is to prescribe the manner, procedures, and guidelines for the effective implementation of the Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013 to facilitate compliance and achieve its objectives.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), through its Time Service Unit (TSU), is the official agency responsible for maintaining and disseminating the Philippine Standard Time.
The coverage includes national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units, government and private television and radio stations, private corporations/agencies, and people’s organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups.
All national and local government offices are required to display the Philippine Standard Time on their official time devices prominently accessible to employees and the general public.
Official timepieces and devices shall be synchronized at least once a month by coordinating with PAGASA through its Time Service Unit.
For the first offense, a fine of not less than Php30,000 but not more than Php50,000 and revocation and cancellation of franchise to operate may be imposed. Subsequent penalties or further measures are not specified in detail but violations will be subject to hearing and due process.
A tolerable time deviation of plus (+) or minus (-) 5 seconds from the Philippine Standard Time is acceptable for determining compliance.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of RA 10535, hear and investigate violations, issue subpoenas, and restrain further violations through legal processes.
Funds necessary for implementation are included in the appropriation of PAGASA under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the General Appropriations Act, with subsequent funding included in the annual budgets for upgrading and maintenance.
Key functions include operating an accurate timekeeping system, disseminating precise time throughout the country, monitoring compliance, installing synchronized time devices in key public places, coordinating equipment procurement, and collaborating with the DOST.
The general public can access the Philippine Standard Time through PAGASA observatories, DOST agencies, PAGASA regional stations, the internet via the Network Time Protocol server, national and local government offices, government and private TV and radio stations, and other reliable means.
Government and private television and radio stations are required to display and observe the Philippine Standard Time, assist in public information campaigns, and provide free airtime for advertisements and information on the value of time and punctuality.
The National Time Consciousness Week is an institutionalized annual celebration every first week of January to promote punctuality and wise time management, organized by PAGASA and other government agencies.
Procurement of equipment for automatic dissemination of Philippine Standard Time must follow Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, with DOST overseeing the procurement.