Phl Standard Time starts today

MANILA, Philippines - The law mandating the use of Philippine Standard Time (PST) by government agencies and radio and television networks takes effect today.

On May 15, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10535, ordering government offices and agencies to synchronize all their timepieces to follow a standard time.

PST will be determined by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The official time can be checked at http://www.dost.gov.ph.

Under the new law, authored by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, all government offices and agencies shall coordinate with PAGASA once a month to synchronize official timepieces and devices.

The law also mandates the media – particularly TV and radio stations across the country – to synchronize their time devices.

The synchronization of time by government agencies and broadcast networks is expected to prompt ordinary Filipinos to also follow the PST – including local government units like the city of Manila where it has the largest clock tower in the country.

The three clocks on the famous hexagonal tower of the City Hall of Manila currently tell different times.

No official was available for comment but as of yesterday, two of its clocks were not synchronized.

A general services employee of city hall said the clocks were monitored regularly, but he could not say if these have been adjusted to PST.

However, he admitted the clocks “sometimes” show different times.

City Hall has become one of the most significant landmarks in Manila. The hexagonal tower with three clocks facing different directions is not only famous for its architectural design but is also the trademark of the city.

The clocks, which can be observed from afar, do not  only give passersby the time but also reminds them that they are in the capital city of Manila. – Rey Galupo