Philippine National Metrology Institute (Pnmi) Act

THE PHILIP RECEIVED OFFICE IN TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE DATE: REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TIME: 11:53 AM First Regular Session BY: BILLS & INDEX SENATE Senate Bill No. _ 2069 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL METROLOGY INSTITUTE (PNMI), STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Precise, accurate, and internationally traceable measurements are fundamental to industrial development, scientific advancement, consumer protection, public health and safety, trade facilitation, and national competitiveness. As a foundational element of modern economies, metrology underpins testing, calibration, standards development, conformity assessment, and innovation systems. Recognizing its critical role, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 identifies as a priority legislative measure the strengthening of the National Measurement Infrastructure System, including reforms related to Republic Act No. 9236, or the National Metrology Act, and the modernization of the country's metrology framework.1 This bill directly responds to that policy priority through the establishment of the Philippine National Metrology Institute as the country's permanent national metrology institution through the transformation of the National Metrology Division of the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute into a strengthened and internationally recognized scientific institution. This measure seeks to strengthen the National Measurement System, support the National Quality Infrastructure, and harmonize national metrological standards with international standards, mutual recognition arrangements, and statistical controls, as envisioned under the ASEAN economic integration, the World Trade Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Legislative Agenda to Advance R&D, Technology, and Innovation, p. 194. Available at https://pdp.depdev.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PDP- 2023-2028.pdf. Accessed on 23 April 2026.

Organization framework, and other international agreements and covenants. These reforms will help reduce technical barriers to trade, strengthen confidence in Philippine measurements through participation in calibration and measurement capabilities recognition frameworks, and support globally competitive and quality Philippine products and services. This bill is likewise consistent with international and regional practice. Many countries maintain dedicated national metrology institutes as permanent scientific institutions supporting innovation, industrial competitiveness, and regulatory confidence, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States, the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Germany's Physikalisch- Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), and the United Kingdom's National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Within ASEAN, comparable institutions include the National Metrology Centre of Singapore and the National Institute of Metrology Thailand (NIMT). These institutions support calibration and traceability systems, advanced manufacturing, international trade, and participation in regional and global metrology arrangements. This measure seeks to position the Philippines more effectively within this evolving regional and international framework. Moreover, this bill introduces institutional reforms to strengthen policy direction, enhance interagency coordination, and ensure alignment of metrology priorities with national development objectives. Recognizing the cross-cutting role of metrology across sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, research, and industry, these reforms aim to promote coherence, accountability, and long-term institutional continuity. To further strengthen national capability, this bill also seeks to enhance the operations of Regional Metrology Laboratories, establish a National Metrology Training Center, provide for a continuing Human Resource Development Program, support education and curriculum development in metrology, and mandate a ten-year Capacity Enhancement Plan. Together, these mechanisms establish an integrated framework for technical capability development, human capital formation, and sustained institutional strengthening. Ultimately, the establishment of the Philippine National Metrology Institute is a strategic investment in scientific capability, innovation, export readiness, and national development. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

THE PHILIP RECEIVED TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE DATE: 4/27/26 IN m REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TIME: 11:53 AM First Regular Session BY: BILLS & INDEX SENATE Senate Bill No. 2069 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL METROLOGY INSTITUTE (PNMI), STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine National

Metrology Institute (PNMI) Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State

to: (a) enhance and modernize the National Measurement System to advance scientific and technical progress, support industrial competitiveness, protect consumers, and promote public welfare; (b) ensure the integrity, traceability, accuracy, and international recognition of measurements in the Philippines; (c) strengthen the National Quality Infrastructure through coordination among metrology, standards, accreditation, testing, and conformity assessment institutions; (d) support research, innovation, and human resource development in metrology and related sciences;

(e) promote harmonization with international and regional standards and best practices; and (f) establish a permanent and internationally credible national metrology institution. ARTICLE II CREATION AND POWERS OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL METROLOGY INSTITUTE (PNMI)

SEC. 3. Creation of the Philippine National Metrology Institute. - The

National Metrology Division of the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is hereby transformed into the Philippine National Metrology Institute (PNM1). The PNMI shall be attached to the DOST for policy coordination and administrative supervision. All assets, facilities, equipment, records, and resources presently assigned to the National Metrology Division shall be transferred to the PNMI.

SEC. 4. Objectives. - The PNMI shall pursue the following objectives:

(a) strengthen the National Measurement System to ensure accurate, reliable, and internationally traceable measurements in the Philippines; (b) support the development of a robust National Quality Infrastructure to promote scientific advancement, industrial competitiveness, and innovation; (c) enhance the country's capability to support trade facilitation, consumer protection, public health and safety, and other national development priorities through reliable measurements; (d) promote harmonization of national metrological standards with international standards and strengthen the Philippines' participation in regional and global metrology systems; (e) develop and sustain national technical capability, institutional capacity, and human resources in metrology and measurement science; and (f) promote a culture of measurement excellence in support of national development and global competitiveness.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. - The PNMI shall:

(a) establish, maintain, improve, and disseminate national measurement standards and ensure their traceability to international references; (b) provide calibration, measurement, reference, and other technical services necessary to support the National Measurement System;

(c) conduct and promote research and development in metrology, measurement science, and related scientific and technical fields; (d) support designated institutions and laboratories in specialized measurement services and technical capability development; (e) participate in international comparisons, mutual recognition arrangements, and regional and international metrology cooperation mechanisms; (f) provide technical support to government agencies, industry, academe, and other stakeholders on matters relating to metrology and measurement systems; (g) undertake education, training, and capacity-building programs, including support for regional metrology development; (h) collect reasonable fees and charges for services rendered, subject to existing laws; (i) formulate policies, guidelines, programs, and technical procedures related to the National Measurement System, consistent with this Act; and (i) exercise such other powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, consistent with law and subject to approval of the Governing Board. ARTICLE III GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION

SEC. 6. Governing Board. - There is hereby created a Governing Board which

shall serve as the policy-making body of the PNMI. The Governing Board shall be composed of nine (9) members, as follows: 30 (a) The Secretary of the DOST, as Chairperson; (b) The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or his/her representative; (c) The Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development or his/her representative; (d) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) or his/her representative; (e) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) or his/her representative; (f) The Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) or his/her representative;

(g) The Executive Director of PNMI; (h) One (1) representative from higher education institutions with expertise in metrology or related sciences; (i) One (1) representative from the private sector with recognized expertise in industry or measurement science; and Representatives of ex officio members shall be duly authorized in writing and shall in no case be lower than the rank of Undersecretary, or its equivalent, where applicable.

SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Governing Board. - The Governing

Board shall: (a) formulate policies on metrology and the National Measurement System, and approve strategic, institutional, and long-term development plans of the PNMI, including the Capacity Enhancement Plan; (b) review and approve the PNMI's annual and multi-year budget proposals, major investments, and priority programs and projects, consistent with national development priorities and available resources; (c) provide policy direction and promote effective coordination with relevant government agencies, institutions, and stakeholders on matters relating to metrology, the National Measurement System, and related activities under this Act; (d) adopt and oversee governance, risk management, and accountability mechanisms, including performance monitoring and evaluation systems for the PNMI; (e) ensure alignment of PNMI policies, programs, and priorities with national development plans, international commitments, and relevant laws; and (f) exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.

SEC. 8. Executive Director. - The PNMI shall be headed by an Executive

Director to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the DOST. The Executive Director shall receive the benefits, privileges, and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Executive Director V. The Executive Director shall possess recognized qualifications in metrology, engineering, physical sciences, or related fields, with substantial managerial and technical experience.

SEC. 9. Deputy Executive Directors. - The Executive Director shall be

assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive Directors, who shall be appointed in accordance

with existing laws and civil service rules, and who shall supervise their respective functional areas, as follows: (a) Deputy Executive Director for Scientific and Technical Services, who shall oversee national measurement standards, calibration and measurement services, metrology research and development, and technical laboratory operations; (b) Deputy Executive Director for Programs, Capacity Development, and Regional Operations, who shall oversee the National Metrology Training Center, human resource development programs, the Capacity Enhancement Plan, and coordination and technical oversight of Regional Metrology Laboratories; and (c) Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Finance, and Institutional Support, who shall oversee finance, human resources, procurement, planning, information systems, and general administrative services. The specific powers and functions of the Deputy Executive Directors shall be further defined in the implementing rules and regulations and in the approved organizational structure of the PNMI.

SEC. 10. Organizational Structure. - The PNMI, in coordination with the

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), shall determine its internal organizational structure, technical staffing, and administrative support, subject to existing laws.

SEC. 11. Main Office and Regional Metrology Laboratories. - The Main

Office of the PNMI shall be located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. To promote broader access to metrology services, strengthen regional measurement capabilities, and support the effective implementation of the National Measurement System, the Regional Metrology Laboratories (RMLs) of the DOST Regional Offices are hereby recognized as regional extensions of the PNMI. The RMLs shall support the PNMI in the performance of its mandate, including, 29 but not limited to: (a) providing calibration and related metrology services in the regions, consistent with national measurement standards and traceability requirements; (b) supporting the dissemination and application of national measurement standards at the regional level; (c) strengthening regional technical capability through training, laboratory development, and technical assistance; (d) supporting industry, research institutions, and other stakeholders in improving access to measurement services; (e) supporting the implementation of the National Quality Infrastructure and related national programs; and

(f) performing such other functions as may be assigned by the PNMI consistent with this Act. The technical scope, standards, quality requirements, and coordination arrangements of RMLs shall be determined by the PNMI in accordance with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations: Provided, That RMLs shall remain under the supervision and administrative control of the DOST Regional Offices, while being subject to the technical oversight, standards, and guidance of the PNMI.

SEC. 12. National Metrology Training Center. - A National Metrology

9 Training Center is hereby established under the PNMI to serve as the principal 10 institution for education, training, and capability development in metrology and measurement science. The National Metrology Training Center shall support the PNMI in strengthening national technical capacity and human resource development and shall, among others: (a) develop and implement education and training programs in metrology, calibration, measurement science, and related technical fields; (b) provide specialized training for government personnel, laboratories, industry, academe, and other stakeholders requiring metrology-related competencies; (c) support the development of technical expertise and professional competencies necessary for the National Measurement System and the National Quality Infrastructure; (d) support scholarship, fellowship, and other capability development programs authorized under this Act; (e) promote collaboration with academic institutions, training institutions, and international metrology organizations for technical education and knowledge exchange; and (f) perform such other related functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. The organization, programs, and operational requirements of the National Metrology Training Center shall be determined by the PNMI in accordance with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations. ARTICLE IV INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION AND INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

SEC. 13. Interagency and Stakeholder Cooperation. - The PNMI shall

establish and maintain cooperation mechanisms with relevant government agencies, local government units (LGUs), academe, and the private sector to support the implementation of this Act and the development of the National Measurement System.

SEC. 14. Non-Duplication, Coordination, and Functional Alignment. -

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish or duplicate statutory powers vested in existing agencies. The PNMI shall exercise its functions in coordination with relevant government 5 agencies through interagency arrangements and technical protocols. Consistent with Republic Act No. 12231, or the Government Optimization Act, functions, programs, or organizational units may be transferred, integrated, or otherwise optimized, where necessary and in accordance with applicable laws, to promote coherence, efficiency, and alignment of government functions.

SEC. 15. International Representation. - The PNMI shall represent the

Philippines in international and regional metrology organizations, including the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP), and other relevant bodies. ARTICLE V HUMAN CAPITAL AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

SEC. 16. Human Resource Development Program. - The PNMI shall

formulate and implement a continuing Human Resource Development Program to support workforce planning, competency development, professional advancement, and long-term human resource requirements of the National Measurement System. The Human Resource Development Program shall be implemented through and in coordination with the National Metrology Training Center, and may include competency development, specialized training, scholarship, fellowship, and other capability development mechanisms for PNMI personnel, government personnel, laboratories, academe, industry, and other stakeholders, as may be appropriate. For this purpose, scholarship and financial assistance mechanisms may be established in coordination with the DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and partner institutions, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 17. Education and Curriculum Development. - The PNMI, through

the National Metrology Training Center and in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED, TESDA, and other relevant institutions, shall promote the development and integration of metrology education, as well as specialized academic and technical training programs, to support the long-term development of national expertise in metrology and measurement science. For this purpose, the PNMI may support initiatives for: (a) curriculum development and integration of metrology concepts in relevant educational and technical programs;

(b) development of specialized courses, training modules, and academic programs in metrology and related disciplines; (c) faculty development, technical instruction, and knowledge exchange programs; (d) collaboration with academic, scientific, and international institutions for education and technical cooperation; and (e) such other educational initiatives necessary to support the human resource and institutional development objectives of this Act.

SEC. 18. Capacity Enhancement Plan. - Within one (1) year from the

effectivity of this Act, the Executive Director shall prepare and submit to the Governing Board for approval a ten (10)-year Capacity Enhancement Plan to guide the long-term 14 development and strengthening of the PNMI and the National Measurement System. The Capacity Enhancement Plan shall include, among others: (a) strategic objectives, performance indicators, and priority outcomes; (b) requirements for facilities, equipment, laboratories, human resources, and technical capability development; (c) priority programs and projects for strengthening national and regional metrology capabilities; (d) a National Metrology Research and Development Roadmap identifying priority research areas, emerging technologies, and strategic directions for advancing metrology and measurement science in the Philippines; (e) implementation schedules, estimated costs, and resource requirements; and (f) such other measures necessary to support the long-term development, international competitiveness, and sustainability of the PNMI. The Capacity Enhancement Plan shall be subject to periodic review and updating, as may be necessary, consistent with the purposes of this Act. ARTICLE VI FUNDING AND FISCAL ADMINISTRATION

SEC. 19. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year appropriations of the DOST, including available appropriations of the National Metrology Division of the DOST-ITDI, as may be applicable. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 20. Fees and Charges. - Subject to budgeting, accounting, and auditing

laws, the PNMI may collect reasonable fees and charges for services rendered. A portion of such fees may be retained and used exclusively for capability enhancement and modernization, subject to applicable budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations. The remaining balance shall be remitted to the National Treasury in accordance with existing laws.

SEC. 21. Grants, Donations, and Other Funding Sources. - The PNMI may

receive grants, donations, endowments, and other lawful funding support, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. ARTICLE VII ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT

SEC. 22. Annual Reporting. - The PNMI shall submit an annual report to the

President, Senate, and House of Representatives containing its accomplishments, financial utilization, progress under the Capacity Enhancement Plan, and recommendations for policy or legislative action.

SEC. 23. Audit and Performance Review. - The PNMI shall be subject to

audit and performance review consistent with existing laws.

SEC. 24. Periodic Congressional Review. - Congress shall undertake a

review of the implementation of this Act within five (5) years from its effectivity. ARTICLE VIII TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 25. Transitory Provisions. - Within three (3) years from the effectivity

of this Act, the functions, assets, personnel, and resources of the National Metrology Division of the DOST-ITDI, and such other functions, programs, organizational units, assets, personnel, and resources as may be necessary for the establishment and operation of the PNMI, shall be transferred, integrated, or otherwise optimized, consistent with Republic Act No. 12231 and other applicable laws. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the transfer or diminution of statutory powers vested in other agencies, except as may be authorized by law and consistent with Section 14 of this Act. The security of tenure, salaries, benefits, and other vested rights of affected personnel shall be protected, and no officer or employee shall be separated, removed, or adversely affected in rank, status, or compensation solely by reason of the implementation of this Act, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Existing contracts, agreements, and obligations shall remain valid and shall continue to be honored in accordance with their terms.

SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The rules and regulations

necessary for the effective and efficient enforcement of the provisions of this Act shall

be formulated by the DOST, through ITDI, in consultation with relevant government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, and other stakeholders, and shall be implemented within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. Unjustified or willful failure or refusal of the concerned government agencies to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within the specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws. Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.

SEC. 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

letters of instruction, proclamations, administrative orders, issuances, rules, and regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 28. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder hereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 29. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,