Law Summary
Display of the Philippine Standard Time
- All national and local government offices must display the Philippine Standard Time (PST) on official time devices including bundy clocks.
- The official time is provided by PAGASA through its network time protocol.
- Offices must coordinate at least once a month with PAGASA to synchronize time devices.
Monitoring, Maintenance and Dissemination of PST
- PAGASA, as the Time Service Unit, in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and disseminating PST nationwide.
- PAGASA must maintain a timekeeping system.
- PAGASA will install and maintain prominently displayed synchronized time devices at field stations and key public places.
Procurement of Equipment for Automatic Dissemination of Time
- Procurement must comply with Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
- DOST oversees the procurement of equipment for automatic dissemination of time using GPS technology.
General Appropriations
- Funding for implementing the Act is included in PAGASA's allotment under DOST in the General Appropriations Act.
- Future funds for upgrading and maintaining the timekeeping system shall be included in DOST and PAGASA's annual budgets.
Role of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
- NTC requires participation of all government and private TV and radio stations to ensure nationwide synchronization of time devices.
Violations and Penalties
- NTC has jurisdiction to enforce compliance through injunctions or other legal processes.
- Private TV and radio station owners who fail to synchronize their time devices with PST during broadcasts will be fined between 30,000 and 50,000.
- For a second offense, franchise revocation and cancellation will be imposed.
- Collected fines are deposited into the National Treasury's general fund.
Information Campaign
- All national and local government offices, including public and private schools, must conduct ongoing campaigns about the value of time and respect for punctuality.
Institutionalization of National Time Consciousness Week
- The first week of every year is designated as National Time Consciousness Week to encourage awareness of time synchronization.
Implementing Guidelines
- PAGASA, DOST, NTC, DOTC, DILG, DND, DOH, DepED, and CHED will promulgate guidelines for effective implementation within 90 days from the law’s effectivity.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions remain in full force and effect.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.