Authorization of Use of Metric System and Decimal Multiples
- All decimal multiples and submultiples of the metric system are authorized for use.
Temporary Authorization of Traditional Spanish and Other Units Until 1909
- Use of Spanish avoirdupois ounces, pounds, arrobas, quintals, piculs, carats, and specific units of capacity and length is authorized until January 1, 1909.
- Specific volume and length measurements are provided as equivalents in metric units.
Determination of Alcohol Value Based on Specific Gravity
- Alcohol value for internal revenue purposes is based on weight percentage as determined by specific gravity.
- The Gay-Lussac alcoholometer may be used under specified conditions.
- The Act does not repeal provisions of the existing Act No. 1189 concerning distilled spirits.
Authorization of Use of English Avoirdupois Pound Until 1909
- Scales or balances using English avoirdupois pounds are authorized if historically in use prior to enactment.
Extension of Grace Period for Non-Metric Weights and Measures
- Provincial authorities may extend the authorized use of non-metric weights and measures up to two years beyond January 1, 1909.
- Provinces may fix and authorize local weights in common use.
Exclusivity of Legal Weights and Measures
- Only authorized weights and measures, including expressly designated multiples and submultiples, are legal in the Philippines.
- Only these may be officially sealed and licensed.
Mandatory Use of Metric System in Official Documents
- All official documents must use the metric system exclusively.
- Exceptions apply to foreign commodity orders where foreign standards may be used.
Administration and Distribution of Sealing Materials
- The Collector of Internal Revenue, with approval of the Secretary of Finance and Justice, oversees authorization, procurement, and distribution of sealing dies, stamps, and apparatus.
- Necessary forms and certificates are prepared and distributed by the Collector.
Maintenance of Fundamental and Secondary Standards
- Primary standard weights and measures are deposited and maintained by the Bureau of Science.
- Comparative testing of secondary standards is conducted by the Director of the Bureau.
- Secondary standards failing accuracy requirements are condemned and destroyed.
- Secondary standards are made accessible to the public via provincial treasurers.
Inspection, Testing, and Calibration of Public and Government Weights
- The Collector of Internal Revenue is responsible for testing all balances, scales, weights, and measures used in government and public works.
- Inspectors authorized by the Governor-General or Philippine Commission perform inspections.
- The Collector ensures calibration of provincial and municipal standards.
Provision and Sale of Standards to Provinces and Municipalities
- The Purchasing Agent stocks and sells reasonable quantities of standardized weights and measures to local governments at cost plus 10%.
Duties of Inspectors of Weights and Measures
- Inspectors test and report on the condition of measuring instruments in their districts.
- They collect evidence of infringements, fraud, or negligence related to weights and measures and report it to appropriate authorities.
Responsibilities of Sealers of Weights and Measures
- Provincial treasurers, their deputies, and inspectors of Manila are charged with sealing and licensing duties.
- Sealers must promptly attend to sealing requests and publish schedules for their availability across municipalities.
Oversight and Enforcement Regarding the Sealing Process
- The Collector of Internal Revenue may notify local officials about failures or abuses in sealing, reporting to the Executive Secretary.
Requirements for Sealing and Licensing Weights and Measures
- Only scales, balances, weights, and measures meeting legal and technical requirements are eligible for sealing upon payment of fees.
Schedule of Charges for Sealing
- Fees are set for different types and sizes of measures and balances, higher fees apply for non-metric units and precision balances.
- Complete sets of weights accompany sealed balances free of charge; extra weights entail additional fees.
Application and Use of Collected Fees
- Fees collected for sealing and inspection are considered internal revenue and disposed of according to provisions related to the poll tax.
Gradual Transition to Use of Metric Measures by Merchants
- After December 31, 1907, merchants must have metric linear measures and capacity measures sealed within the preceding twelve months to seal equivalent non-metric measures.
Licensing Validity and Display Requirements
- Payment for sealing is made by internal-revenue stamps affixed to certificates which act as licenses valid for one year, subject to condition.
- Licenses must be shown upon demand by officials.
Conditions for Refusal to Seal and Assistance by Officials
- Instruments failing to meet requirements shall not be sealed until corrected.
- Sealers and inspectors assist owners in making necessary corrections.
Accountability of Sealers Regarding Revenue Stamps
- Sealers must obtain and account for internal-revenue stamps, returning unused stamps or their value when required.
Record-Keeping and Transparency by Sealers
- Sealers must keep detailed records of sealed and rejected instruments, licenses issued, and fees paid.
- Records are open for inspection by authorized officials.
Availability of Standard Weights and Measures for Sale at Reasonable Prices
- The Collector may procure and distribute weights and measures if public availability is insufficient.
- Purchase by users is voluntary, with no preferential treatment given against other vendors.
Penalties for Official Misconduct and Corruption
- Officers engaging in fraudulent or negligent acts, extortion, unauthorized sale of stamps, improper demands, or misuse of information face fines up to one thousand pesos, imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Criminal Penalties for Fraudulent Use or Imitation of Official Marks
- Fraudulent imitation, alteration, or use of official stamps, certificates, or licenses is punishable by fines from two thousand to ten thousand pesos and imprisonment from one to five years.
Penalties for Use of Unsealed or Unauthorized Weights and Measures
- Use of unsealed instruments or failure to exhibit licenses incurs fines up to five hundred pesos or imprisonment.
- Exceptions for remote residents unable to comply.
Penalties for Failure to Present Weights for Sealing and Possession of Unsealed Instruments
- Regular users who fail to present their scales or weights for sealing or to exhibit them upon demand face fines up to one thousand pesos.
- Permits may be granted for possession of such items for sale only.
Penalties for Fraudulent Alteration or Use of False Weights and Measures
- Fraudulent alteration or use of false instruments is punishable by fines between two hundred and four thousand pesos, imprisonment from three months to two years, or both.
Rewards for Informers
- Voluntary informers leading to arrests and convictions receive monetary rewards, increased if public officers are involved.
- Payment is made from provincial revenues dedicated to enforcement.
Effectivity and Repeal of Conflicting Laws
- The Act applies from January 1, 1907.
- Previous conflicting laws or parts thereof are repealed.
Appendix: Metric Equivalents of Authorized Traditional Units
- Lists metric decimal equivalents for units of weight, capacity, length, and area authorized for use until January 1, 1909, facilitating transition and standardization.