Use of Metric System as Standard Measurement

Creation of a governing body named the Metric System Board (the Board).
Composition includes key government secretaries and the Chairman of the National Science Development Board.
Undersecretaries and vice-chairmen serve as alternates.
Purpose is to oversee the transition to the metric system.

Responsible for converting all weights and measures to metric equivalents, subject to Presidential approval.
To develop and implement a nationwide plan for metric system adoption across various sectors.
Target date for full metric adoption: January 1, 1975.
Must consider time requirements for device modification/acquisition and public dissemination of metric equivalents.
Empowered to issue implementing rules and regulations with Presidential approval.
Authorized to appoint necessary personnel, prioritizing qualified laid-off government workers.
Can create advisory and technical committees from both public and private sectors.
May solicit assistance from any government agency or employee.

The Director of the Bureau of Standards serves as the Board's Executive Secretary.
Initial personnel to be detailed from other government offices until funds are appropriated.

An initial budget of Fifty Thousand Pesos (₱50,000) allocated for the Board's expenses in fiscal year 1974.
A similar amount to be allocated in the 1975 fiscal year budget.

Violators face fines up to One Thousand Pesos (₱1,000), imprisonment up to one year, or both.
Juridical persons’ responsible officials/employees also liable.
Alien offenders subject to deportation after serving sentences without additional proceedings.

The decree becomes effective upon approval.
Entities legally permitted to use other systems have until specified dates to fully switch to metric.
The Metric System Board will be dissolved by June 30, 1975.

Existing provisions in the Revised Administrative Code or other laws inconsistent with this decree are repealed or amended accordingly.