New law sets Phl Standard Time

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed Republic Act 10535 setting the standard time in the country and synchronizing it in all government offices.

The Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013 sets the time that will be displayed in all key public areas in both local and national government offices.

It also declared the first week of every year as “National Time Consciousness Week.”

Under the law, all government offices shall coordinate at least once a month with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to synchronize their official timepieces.

PAGASA will provide the official time using its network time protocol.

The procurement of the equipment for the automatic dissemination of time – with global position system – shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

PAGASA was also tasked to coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in monitoring, maintaining and disseminating the Philippine Standard Time throughout the country. 

The budget for the implementation of the law will be taken from the allocation of the DOST under the General Appropriations Act.

The upgrade and/or maintenance of the timekeeping system shall be included in the annual budget of PAGASA.   –  With Helen Flores