Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

_1708

HOUSE BILL No

Introduced by the Honorable Victoria G. Noel

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

‘The Honorable Florencio G. Noel of An Waray Party List filed this proposed measure in
the 15" Congress. The bill however did not pass into law due to lack of material time.

The Chemistry Law (RA. 754) was promulgated on June 18, 1952. Because of the
significamt changes brought about by the rapid developments in Chemistry, science and
technology, the rise of international standards, global competition, as well as concerns for the
environment, climate change and sustainable development, there is an urgent need to reformulate
the Chemistry Law so that it will be more responsive to these modern developments. Today, for
‘example, sophisticated chemical design, synthesis and analyses are required in a wide variety of
applications, such as environment, watcr, food products, pharmaceuticals, forensics, plastics and
polymers, materials, and many others.

‘Chemistry has two important aspects: Chemistry as a scientific and academic endeavor, and
Chemistry as applied to public safety, public interest and the national economy. The Chemistry
Law should promote the former, but should regulate the latter. Specifically, the proposed new
‘Chemistry Law seeks to introduce the following important changes:

+ Update the definition of Chemistry and the scope of the professional practice of
Chemistry.

+ Define the practice of the Chemical Analyst.

+ Strengthen the professional practice of Chemistry for global competitiveness and to
bring it in line with international practice, certification and standards.

+ Rationalize the relationship between Chemistry and allied professions.

+ Strengthen the linkage between the training of Chemists and the professional practice of
Chemistry.

+ Strengthen the authority of the Board of Chemistry to supervise chemistry laboratories
and other entities, which practice chemistry to ensure that the minimum quality
standards are maintained.

+ Support the requirement for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for the
continuous training and international competitiveness of professional chemists.

+ Bring the practice of Chemistry in line with the PRC modernization act of 2000 (RA
8981), as well as national concems related chemistry, such as toxic and hazardous and
nuclear waste (RA 6969) and dangerous drugs (RA 9165).

“Approval of this bill is eamestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiLL No, 1706

Introduced by the Honorable Victoria G. Noel

AN ACT
TO REGULATE AND MODERNIZE THE PRACTICE OF CHEMISTRY IN
‘THE PHILIPPINES, REP! ING FOR THE PURPOSE R.A, 754

Be it enacted by the
Philippines in Congre

Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the
assembled:

TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.

itle - This Act shall be known as the “Chemistry Law of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.- Because Chemistry is vital to public safety,
the national economy, and the protection of the environment, it is the policy of the
State to promote, regulate and protect the professional practice of chemistry in the
Philippines, and to ensure the continued development and high international standard
of the practice of Chemistry in the Philippines.

SEC.3. Definition of Terms.- The following terms used in this Act shall be
defined as follows:

a) Chemistry. The study, characterization, analysis, modification and calculation
of physico-chemical or biochemical properties of matter. It includes the
atomic, molecular, surface and supramolecular composition and structure of
matter, properties and reactions, the changes which matter undergoes, the
energy involved, and the conditions under which such changes occur.
Registered Chemist. Any person who is engaged in the professional practice
of chemistry, as defined herein, must be a Registered Chemist who shall be
duly registered with the Board of Chemistry and the Professional Regulation
Commission. A Registered Chemist shall have the authority to undertake the
professional practice of chemistry.

Registered Chemical Analyst. Any person who is engaged in the work of
chemical analysis, as defined herein, shall be duly registered with the Board of
Chemistry.

b)

c


d) “Chemical analysis” refers to a physico-chemical or biochemical technique
which includes the following, and related techniques:

i) use of methods such as titration, gravimetric analysis, electrochemical
measurements, spectroscopy, chromatography, and others;

i) preparation of a sample for chemical analysis;

iii) determination of the atomic, molecular, or supramolecular properties
of a substance;

iv) quantitative analysis of the components of a substance;

vy) determination of the molecular structure of a substance using the tools
of spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, or other
techniques;

vi) separation or purification of a mixture into its components using
techniques, such as distillation, crystallization, solvent extraction,
adsorption, size exclusion, affinity, chromatography, and others;

vii)other analytical methods which characterize matter at the atomic,
molecular, or supramolecular level.

e) “Chemical synthesis” shall mean the preparation of a compound or chemical
entity from its elements or from other compounds or chemical entities, by one
or more chemical reactions. Synthesis as defined here refers to both chemical
synthesis, which may use chemical catalysts, and biochemical synthesis,
which uses enzymes and other biological compounds to promote a reaction.

f) “Chemical laboratory” shall mean a facility where activities described in
Sections 3d and 3e are performed. Such activities carried out outside of a
chemical laboratory, for example, a factory, mobile laboratory, or field
analysis, are also covered. The head of a chemical laboratory should be a
Registered Chemist.

SEC. 4. Scope of the Professional Practice of Chemistry.- The professional
practice of chemistry covers the performance of a service related to the public
interest, public safety, legal or regulatory matters. The following and similar activities
shall be the functions of the Registered Chemist:

1, Performance of a chemical analysis or chemical synthesi

2. Certification of a chemical analysis or chemical synthesis:

3. Inspection of a laboratory with respect to its chemical or biochemical
activities;

4. Certification of a laboratory with respect to its chemical or biochemical
activities;

5. Supervision of a chemical laboratory;

6. Supervision of a chemical analysis or chemical synthesis, whether or not this
is performed in a laboratory;

7. Teaching, lecturing and reviewing of a professional chemistry subject in the
curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree or a subject in the
chemistry licensure examination given in any college, university, or training
or review center, or any other educational institution or certification body;

8. Consultation or investigation, research concerning physico-chemical or
biochemical matters which involve the public interest, public safety, laws or
regulations. For purposes of this Act, the Registered Chemist must affix his
signature, license number and official seal to any certification report which
he/she submits;



9. Sale of chemicals, chemical apparatus, or chemical equipment;

10. Supervision of the sale of chemicals, chemical apparatus, or chemical
equipment; and

11. Funetions related to the management of chemicals, such as chemical safety,
chemical waste management, pollution control, and the like

‘The Chemistry Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise,
exclude from or add to the above-enumerated acts or activities as the need arises to
conform to the latest trend in the practice of the profession.

SEC.5. Scope of the Professional Practice of Chemical Analysis. The scope
of the practice of Chemical Analysis shall be limited to the performance of physico-
chemical or biochemical analysis, chemical or biochemical synthesis, and sale of
chemicals, chemical apparatus, or chemical equipment, provided that such activities
are under the supervision of a Registered Chemist. The Chemical Analyst must affix
his signature and license number to the report of a chemical analysis or synthesis
which he has performed.

ARTICLE II
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF CHEMISTRY

SEC.6, Composition of the Board.- There is hereby created a Professional
Regulatory Board of Chemistry, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be
composed of a Chairperson and two (2) Members under the administrative control
and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as
the Commission. They shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from a
list of three (3) recommendees for each position ranked by the Commission from a list
of five (5) nominees for each position submitted by the accredited professional
organization of Chemists.

SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board.- The Board shall have the following
powers and duties:

a) To supervise and regulate the practice of the chemistry profession in the
Philippines in accordance with the provision of this Act;

b) To determine the requirements and evaluate the qualifications of the
applicants for registration and renewal of license of Registered Chemists and
Registered Chemical Analysts;

c) To prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination; determine the syllabi of
the subjects and their relative weights; construct the test questions in the
examinations; and submit the examination results to the Commission;

d) To issue, together with the Commission, Certificates of Registration to
persons admitted to the practice of the professions of Chemistry and Chemical
Analysis;

e) To oversee the conduct of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
program for the professional Chemists and Chemical Analysts;

f) To determine, in consultation with the APO, private industry, and relevant
government agencies, the requirements of chemistry laboratories, both private
and government, and other entities engaged in the practice of Chemistry for
registration or renewal of permit, and to issue, together with the Commission,


the Certificate of Authority to Operate to those which satisfy the said
requirements;

g) The Board may conduct on-site inspection of chemistry laboratories and other
entities engaged in the practice of Chemistry, and may seek the assistance of
the APO in order to carry out these functions;

h) To inquire into the conditions affecting the practice of the profession and
adopt measures for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional,
ethical and technical standards.

i) To adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code of Good Governance
for the practice of Chemistry;

j) To issue subpoena testificandum or subpoena duces tecum to secure the
attendance of witnesses or the production of documents in connection with
any administrative case before the Board;

k) To hear and decide administrative cases filed against chemists, chemical
analysts, and the owners and administrators of chemical laboratories. The
hearing shall be presided over by the Chairperson or a Member of the Board
with the assistance of an attorney of the Commission. Any decision should be
concurred in by a majority of the Board. The decision of the Board may be
appealed to the Commission within fifteen (15) days from notice, otherwise
such decision shall be final and executory;

1) To administer oaths in connection with the performance of its function;

m) To adopt the implementing rules and regulations of this Act; and

n) To perform such other functions as may be necessary in order to implement
the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Qualification of the Board Chairperson and Members. The
Chairperson and Members of the Board shall have the following qualifications:

a) A citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b) Of good moral character and of sound mind;

c) A holder of at least a Master's degree in Chemistry conferred by a chemistry
institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, or by a
reputable foreign university;

d) A Registered Chemist who has been in active practice for at least ten (10)
years;

e) Not have any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any higher
educational institution conferring an academic degree necessary for admission
to the practice of chemistry or where review classes in preparation for the
licensure examination are being offered or conducted; nor should he be a
member of the faculty or administration thereof;

f) A member in good standing of the APO;

g) Not an officer or trustee of the APO: and

h) Not convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving
moral turpitude.

SEC.9. Term of Office. The Chairperson and Member of the Board shall
hold office for a term of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their
successors shall have qualified and shall have been appointed. They may be
reappointed for another term of three (3) years immediately after the expiry of their
term; provided, not more than two (2) terms or not more than six (6) years, whichever
is longer; further the first board under this Act shall hold these terms of office: The


Chairperson for three (3) years, the first member for two (2) years and the second
member for one (1); provided furthermore, any appointee to a vacancy with an
unexpired period shall only serve such period. The Chairperson and the Members
shall duly take their oath of office.

SEC. 10. Compensation of the Board.- The Chairperson and Members of the
Board shall receive such compensation and allowances comparable to that being
received by the Chairperson and Members of other professional regulatory boards
under the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 11, Custodian of Records, Secretariat and Support.- All records of the
Board, including applications for examinations, examination papers and results,
minutes of meetings, deliberations of administrative and other investigative cases
involving the Board shall be kept by the Commission. The Commission shall
designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide secretariat and other support
services to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 12. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of the Chairperson or
Member. The President, upon the recommendation of the Commission after due
process and administrative investigation conducted by the Commission, may remove
or suspend a Chairperson or Member of the Board on any of the following grounds:

a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of his/her duty;

b) Violation of any of the causes/grounds and the prohibited acts provided in this
Act and the offenses in the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corruption
Practices, and other laws; and

©) Manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results, or disclosure of
examination questions prior to the conduct of the examination, or tampering of
the grades;

The Commission, in the conduct of the investigation, shall be guided by Sec. 7
(5) of R.A. No. 8981, the rules on administrative investigation, and the applicable
provisions of the New Rules of Court.

SEC.13. Annual Report and Annual Meeting. The Board shall submit an
annual report to the Commission after the close of each fiscal year giving a detailed
account of the proceedings of the Board during the year and embodying such
recommendations to the Commission as the Board may desire to make. At least once
a year, the Board shall meet with the APO, representatives of departments of
chemistry in higher education institutions, and Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) to discuss matters pertinent to the professional practice of Chemistry.

ARTICLE II
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SEC. 14. Certificate to Practice Chemistry and Chemical Analysis.- Unless
exempt from registration or not subject to the requirements of this Act, no person
shall practice or offer to practice as a Chemist or Chemical Analyst in the Philippines,
without having previously obtained a Certificate of Registration from the Board and
Professional Identification Card.


SEC. 15. Requirement for Registration as Chemist and Chemical Analyst.
All applicants for registration for the practice of Chemistry and Chemical Analysis in
the Philippines shall be required to pass the licensure examination prescribed herein
unless otherwise provided in this Act.

SEC. 16. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination.- Any person applying
for admission to the chemistry examination must have the following qualifications:

a) He/she is a citizen and resident of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose

country/state has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of chemistry;

b) He/she is of good moral character and of sound mind:

©) He/she is a graduate of any higher educational institution with the degree of
BS Chemistry or an allied degree, with at least sixty (60) university units in
chemistry which should include all of the professional chemistry courses.
Provided further, that the allied degree and its curriculum are under the same
academic supervision by CHED as the BS Chemistry program, and that it is
subject to evaluation by the Board of Chemistry. Graduates of reputable
foreign universities who have been conferred the degree of BS Chemist
its equivalent, and whose curriculum includes all of the professional chemistry
courses, may apply to take the licensure examination, subject to evaluation by
the Board.
He/she has not been convicted of a crime or an offense involving moral
turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

d

SEC. 17. Scope of Examination for Chemists The chemistry licensure
examination shall cover the following professional chemistry subjects: Analytical
Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical
Chemistry. Provided, that the relative weight of any subject shall not exceed 30% or
be less than 15% of the total. The Board may modify the coverage of the Board
Examination as required by developments in chemistry and the professional practice
of chemistry. In such a case, the Board shall consult with the CHED and the APO for
chemistry. The Board must announce revisions in chemistry subjects and topics at
least two years prior to their inclusion in the Board examination.

SEC. 18. Qualifications for Chemical Analyst. Any person applying for the
professional practice of Chemical Analyst must have the following qualifications:
a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines, or a citizen of a foreign country which
grants the corresponding privilege to Filipinos;
b) He/she is of good moral character and of sound mind; and
©) Successfully completed at least thirty (30) units of undergraduate chemistry
courses from an institution duly recognized by the CHED or TESDA. The
courses should include both lecture and laboratory courses in the following
subjects: General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
The applicant should submit a certified true copy of his transcript.

SEC.19. Scope of Examination for Chemical Analyst- The licensure
examination for Chemical Analyst shall cover practical aspects of laboratory work in
the following chemistry subjects with equal weights: Analytical Chemistry and
Organic Chemistry. The Board may modify the coverage of the Board Examination as
required by developments in chemistry and the professional practice of Chemical


Analysis, In such a case, the Board shall consult with the CHED, TESDA and the
‘APO for chemistry. The Board must announce revisions in chemistry subjects and
topics at least two years prior to their inclusion in the Board examination.

SEC. 20. Holding of Examination.- Examination of candidates desiring to
practice Chemistry and Chemical Analysis in the Philippines shall be given at least
once each calendar year on the date(s) and venue(s) prescribed by the Commission in
accordance with R.A. 8291.

SEC.21. Examination Fees.- Each applicant admitted to take the Chemistry
examination shall pay such fees as may be prescribed by the Commission before
he/she is allowed to take the examination.

SEC.22. Ratings in the Licensure Examination. The Board and the
Commission shall issue Certificates of Registration if the examinee attains the
following ratings:

a) Examination for Chemist: the examinee must obtain a general average of at
least seventy percent (70%) and no rating less than fifty percent (50%) in any
subject. Provided however, if the examinee passes any two subjects, he/she
shall automatically qualify as a Chemical Analyst;
Examination for Chemical Analyst: the examinee must obtain an overall
average of at least seventy percent (70%) and no rating less than fifty percent
(50%) in any subject.

b)

‘The results of the examination shall be released within 10 working days from
the last day of the examination.

SEC. 23. Exemption from Examination for Chemists.- Holders of a doctoral
degree in Chemistry from a reputable university may apply for registration as Chemist
without examination from the Board. They must submit a copy of their undergraduate
and graduate diplomas, transcripts, and cover pages of their Doctoral thesis. Provided
further, that such individuals must show evidence that they have been active in the
practice of Chemistry. The Board may require presentation of the Doctoral thesis and
other evidences of competence and achievement in Chemistry.

SEC. 24. Issuance of Temporary/Special Permit. The Board may issue a
Special Permit to practice Chemistry to the following persons upon proper application
with the Board:

a) Foreign-based chemists, recognized as experts in their specific field of
chemistry, called in by the Republic of the Philippines for consultation or for a
specific project, provided, that their practice shall be confined to such work;
and

b)

Foreign-based chemists, who have distinguished themselves in their respective
fields of specialization, contracted as a professor or lecturer on chemistry
subjects by Philippine schools, colleges, institutes or universities on a direct
hire or exchange basis. The Special Permit shall indicate the period of validity,
provided that such period shall not exceed three (3) years. It may be renewed
subject to the rules and regulations of the Board. Complaints or questions
regarding such individuals may be directed to the Board for verification or
action.


SEC, 25. Professional Oath.- All persons to be admitted as Registered Chemist
and Registered Chemical Analyst are required to take their oath before the Board or
any officer authorized by the Commission prior to the issuance of their Certificate of
Registration.

SEC. 26, Issuance of Certificate of Registration for Chemist and Chemical
‘Analyst.- A Certificate of Registration for Chemist and Chemical Analyst shall be
issued by the Board to examinees that satisfy the requirements of the relevant
licensure examination subject to the payment of fees prescribed by the Commission.
The Certificate of Registration shall state the full name of the registrant and his
registration number, and bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and
the Chairperson and Members of the Board, authenticated by the official seal of the
‘Commission and the Board.

The Certificate of Registration shall remain in full force and effect unless
suspended or revoked under the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 27. Issuance of Professional Identification Card for Chemist and
Chemical Analyst.- A Professional Identification for Chemist shall be issued to
holders of a valid Certificate of Registration for Chemist, subject to the payment of
fees prescribed by the Commission. A Professional Identification for Chemical
Analyst shall be issued to holders of a valid Certificate of Registration for Chemical
Analyst. The Professional Identification shall state the full name: of the registrant and
his registration number, and bear the signature of the Chairpersons of the Commission
and the Board, authenticated by the official seal of the Commission and the Board.
The Professional Identification shall be valid for a period of three (3) years, subject to
renewal, provided that the Certificate of Registration shall not have been suspended
or revoked under the provisions of this Act.

SEC.28. Indication of Numbers: Certificate of Registration and
Professional Tax Receipt. The Chemist shall be required to indicate his/her
Certification of Registration (CR) and Professional tax Receipt (PTR) Numbers its
date and place of issuance and its expiry.

SEC. 29. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and
Cancellation of Temporary/Special Permit.- The Board shall have the power, upon
notice of hearing, to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a Registered
Chemist or to cancel a temporary/special permit granted to foreign chemist, for
violation of any of the following grounds:

a) Any act of misrepresentation, dishonesty, unethical conduct or gross
incompetence in connection with the performance of chemistry services as
defined in this law or any act inimical to the chemistry profession;

b) Gross immorality or commission of any act involving moral turpitude:

©) Any person who has been convicted by final judgment of a court of competent
jurisdiction of any criminal offense; or

) Any person who has been judicially declared to be of unsound mind. The
Board may, for reason it may deem sufficient and upon proper petition, reissue
revoked Certificates of Registration or other certificates.


SEC. 30. Membership in the Accredited Professional Organization ( APO).-
Registered Chemists and Chemical Analysts are required to maintain regular and
associate membership, respectively, in the APO. Membership in the APO shall not be
a hindrance to membership in other associations.

SEC. 31. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program.- The CPE
program guidelines for Chemistry and Chemical Analysis shall be prescribed and
promulgated by the Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, The Board
shall create a CPE Council to administer the CPE program. The CPE Council shall be
composed of a Chairperson coming from the Board, a member from the APO and a
member from the academe.

SEC. 32, Roster of Chemists and Chemical Analysts.- The Commission shall
keep a roster of all registered Chemists and Chemical Analysts, stating their names,
registration numbers and places of business. The Commission shall regularly update
such roster and make it available to all interested parties.

SEC. 33, Seal of Registered Chemist.- Each registered Chemist shall, upon
registration, obtain a seal as prescribed by the Board with the label “Registered
Chemist” bearing the registrant’s name and registration number. All official
documents or reports which require the certification or signature of the registered
Chemist shall be stamped with the personal seal of the registered chemist.

SEC. 34. Foreign Reciprocity. A foreign citizen may be allowed to take the
licensure examination and may be given a certificate of registration and professional
identification card if he/she can prove that by specific provisions of law the country or
state of which he/she is a citizen allows Filipino Chemist to practice his/her
profession in their country.

SEC. 35. Certificate of Authority to Operate for Firms, Corporations, and
Government Agencies.- Only firms, corporations, and government agencies which
hold a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Board may operate a chemical
laboratory or engage in the practice of Chemistry or Chemical Analysis in the
Philippines; provided further that such chemical practice is carried out only by
registered Chemists or Chemical Analysts holding valid Certificates of Registration
and Professional Identification issued by the Board. In case of a firm, corporation, or
government agency. the person who has charge of the management or administration
shall be held personally liable for violations of this Act.

SEC.36. Requirements for Certificate of Authority to Operate.- The Board,
in consultation with the relevant entities and the APO, shall set the requirements for
the Certificate of Authority to Operate. Such requirements shall be issued as Board
resolutions.

SEC. 37. Roster of Chemical Laboratories and Related Entities. The
Commission shall keep a roster of all chemical laboratories and entities engaged in
the practice of chemistry, stating their names, registration numbers and places of
business. The Commission shall regularly update such roster.


ARTICLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 38. Penal Clause for the Professional Practice of Chemistry and
Chemical Analysis.- No person shall undertake the professional practice of
Chemistry or Chemical Analysis without a valid Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification. This includes any person who:

a) Practices chemistry without a valid certificate of registration and/or a valid

professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit

b) Attempts to use as his own the certificate, license number or seal of another
person or impersonate any registered Chemist or Chemical Analyst;
Abets the illegal practice of chemistry by an unregistered or unauthorized
person;
Furnishes the Board or Commission any false information or document in
order to secure a Certificate of Registration; or
Impersonates a registered chemist or a holder of a special/temporary permit.

°)

d)

°)

Upon conviction, these persons shall be sentenced to a penalty of
imprisonment for a period of not less than one (1) month or not more than one (1)
year, or a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) or not more
than one million pesos (P1,000,000), or both, at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 39, Penal Clause for Chemical Laboratories and Related Firms.- No
chemical laboratory or firm shall undertake activities covered by this Act without a
valid Certificate of Authority to Operate. The president or the highest ranking officer
of the corporation shall be held liable for violations of this Act. Upon conviction,
these persons shall be sentenced to a penalty of imprisonment for a period of not less
than one (1) month or more than one (1) year or a fine of not less than one hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000) or more than one million pesos (P1,000,000), or both, at
the discretion of the court.

SEC. 40. Reports and Other Legal Documents.- Any document related to the
practice of chemistry shall not be considered as official or admissible for legal
purposes unless such document is signed by a registered Chemist, and registration
number affixed thereto. Registered Chemical Analysts who contribute to the work
should also sign such reports or documents, affix his registration number and official
seal,

SEC. 41. Coverage of Professional Practice. A duly licensed professional
chemist cannot be prevented from the practice of chemistry if the work is within the
scope of the practice of chemistry or chemical analysis. Likewise, this Act does not
prevent the practice of any legally recognized allied profession provided that the
activity is within the scope of the allied profession.

SEC.42, Hazard Pay, Health and Accident Insurance, and Legal
Assistance.- Registered Chemists and Registered Chemical Analysts who are exposed
to chemicals as part of their regular responsibilities are entitled to hazard pay and
insurance commensurate to the risk involved. Likewise, Registered Chemists and
Registered Chemical Analysts who face civil or criminal suits arising from chemistry


work done in good faith are entitled to legal assistance to be provided by the
employer/laboratory for whom the work was performed.

ARTICLE V
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 43, Term of Office of Incumbent Board.- The incumbent Chairperson
and Members of the Board at the time of approval of this Act shall automatically
function and hold office for another two (2) years from the date of effectivity of this
Act or for the remaining duration of their current term, whichever is longer. The
Board shall then promulgate the provisions, rules and regulations for the
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 44. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration of Chemists and Chemical
Technicians,- All Chemists and Chemical Technicians who are registered under R.A.
754 at the time of effectivity of this Act shall automatically be considered registered,
and shall hold the same registration number. The validity and period of the existing
professional license shall continue in force until its date of expiry

Preparation of Seal of Registered Chemist.- Within three (3) years
of the date of effectivity of this Act, all duly registered Chemists with a valid
professional license shall obtain an official seal prescribed by the Board with the label
“Registered Chemist” bearing the chemist’s name and registration number, Within
three years, all official documents or reports which require the certification or
signature of the registered chemist shall be stamped with the personal seal of the
registered Chemist.

SEC.46. Grace Period.- There shall be a three (3) year grace period for all
individuals and institutions to comply with the provisions of this Act. For those who
are teaching professional chemistry subjects on the date of effectivity of this Act,
there shall be a three year grace period by which time he/she must fulfill the
following requirements:

a) Successfully complete at least sixty (60) units of chemistry in an
undergraduate degree course which must include all of the professional
chemistry subjects. This may include chemistry subjects taken before or after
the date of effectivity of this Act:

b) Must have been already teaching these subjects satisfactorily for at least three
(3) years on the date of effectivity of this Act;

©) Has satisfied other reasonable requirements or criteria that the Board may set
to demonstrate his competence to teach stich subjects; and

d) Actively participate in CPE for chemistry. After the three (3) year grace
period, such individuals must submit the certified true copies of all of their
relevant transcripts for evaluation. Those who are evaluated to have fulfilled
the requirements shall be issued a Special Permit to teach professional
chemistry subjects. Such permission to teach professional chemistry subjects
shall be limited only to this privilege and shall not be construed as permission
to practice chemistry.



ARTICLE VI
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 47. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Subject to the approval of
the Commission, the Board shall adopt and promulgate the Implementing Rules and
Regulations and Code of Ethics for the Practice of Chemistry, and other resolutions
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 48, Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its
enactment and thereafter.

SEC, 49, Separability Clause. - If any section of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, such shall not invalidate any other section of this Act.

SEC. 50. Repealing Clause. Republic Act No, 754 and all other laws, parts of
laws, orders, ordinances, or regulations in conflict with the provisions of this Act, are
hereby repealed.

SEC. 51, __ Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or any major newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.