FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

necEW

‘SENATE

$.B.No._ 2049

Introduced by Senator EDGARDO J. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Building a strong Science & Technology foundation is necessary for the country to
push forward and become competitive on the global stage. Science and Technology,
however, is not given utmost attention in relation to its role in the progress of our country,

Chemistry is an integral component of S&T, and sadly, the Philippines has been
slow in adapting to changes which are brought about by the rise of intemational standards
and global competition, Recent developments and innovations in the field have
underscored the urgency of repealing the decade ~ old Republic Act No. 754 otherwise
known as the “Chemistry Law”.

‘Thus, it is imperative for the country to enact a responsive policy instrument that is
responsive to the demands of the profession and global competitiveness trends.

‘The “Chemistry Law of 2010” seeks to emphasize the role of chemistry in national
development by promoting and protecting the interests of chemistry profession. It also
aims to elevate the standards of the profession by strengthening the promotion, regulation
and measures for continued development in the field. Furthermore, this bill is geared
towards the following general objectives:

Promoting chemistry as a scientific and academic endeavor and

+ Regulating the practice of chemistry as applied to public safety, public interest
and national economy.

+ These efforts would ultimately lead to a globally-competitive practice of
chemistry inthe Philippines, thereby, ensuring the country's competitiveness on
the global stage

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

RL 10 J. ANGARA

gerice oF Tit. SECRETARY



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OFFICE OF Tr

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

Neer BY
SENATE

8.B.No.2049

Introduced by Senator EDGARDO J. ANGARA

AN ACT
TO REGULATE AND MODERNIZE THE PRACTICE OF CHEMISTRY IN THE
PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE R.A. 754 ENTITLED "AN ACT
‘TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF CHEMISTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted in the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the
Congress assembled:

ARTICLE L

SECTION 1. Title - This act shall be known as the "Chemistry Law of 2010."

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 intemational 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, analysis, modification and calculation of
physicochemical 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.



(b) 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.

(0) 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.

(4) Chemical analysis refers to any physico-chemical or biochemical technique

which includes the following, and related techniques:

i, measurement of properties, such as pH, oxidation-reduction potential,

density, atomic or molecular weight, and others;

ii, use of methods, such as titration, gravimetric analysis, electrochemical

measurements, spectroscopy, chromatography, and others;

iii. determination of the atomic or molecular quantity of one or more

components of a substance;

iv. determination of the atomic, molecular, surface or supramolecular nature

or structure of a substance;

v. separation and/or purification of a mixture into its components using
techniques, such as distillation, crystallization, density, reactivity,
extraction, adsorption, size exclusion, affinity, chromatography, and

others;

vi. calculations of physico-chemical or biochemical properties or

concentrations of chemicals or biochemicals;


vii. computational methods applied to chemically- or biochemicallyrelated
matters, such as molecular design, molecular modeling, chemometrics,

and others; and

viii. other analytical methods which characterize matter at the atomic,

molecular, surface or supramolecular level.

(e) Chemical synthesis shall mean the preparation of a compound or chemical
entity {rom 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.

(Q) 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.

(g) Green Chemistry shall mean the various measures which aim to mitigate the
impact of chemicals on the environment using principles of atom balance,

energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and the like,

SEC. 4, Scope of the Professional Practice of Chemistry. The professional
practice of chemistry covers the performance of a service related 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 an analysis or synthesis;

2. Certification of an analysis or 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;

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


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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 conceming 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; a laboratory;

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

10. Supervision of the sale of chemicals, chemical apparatus, or chemical

11. Functions related to the application of Green Chemistry, such as chemical
equipment; and 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. S, 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.


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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;

(©) 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;

(ec) To oversee the conduct of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

program for the professional Chemists and Chemical Analysts;

(8) 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;

(i) 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,



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(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; ”



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(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 (s)
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 HI
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. 1

applicants for registration for the practice of Chemistry and Chemical Analysis in the

Requirement for Registration as Chemist and Chemical Analyst. - All

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:


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(2) 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 Chemistry, or 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.

(d) He/she has not been convicted of a crime or an offense involving moral

turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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
Jess 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: 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;

(b) 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.

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



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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 0
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 to the practice of

Chemistry and Chemical Analyst are required to take their oath before the Board or aniy
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

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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
Cettificate 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/Speciat 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 ofthe
following grounds:

(a) Any act of mistepresentation 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;

(c) Any person who has been convicted by final judgment of a court of competent

jurisdiction of any criminal offense; or

(4) 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.

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SEC. 30. Membership in the Accredited Professional Organization (APO). -
Registered Chemists and Chemical Analysts are required to maintain membership 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
Cettificate of Authority to Operate from the Board may operate a chemical laboratory or
engage in the practice of Chemistry er 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;

(c) Abets the illegal practice of chemistry by an unregistered or unauthorized

person;

(d) Furnishes the Board or Commission any false information or document in order

lo secure a Certificate of Registration; or

(e) Impersonates a registered chemist or a holder of a Special/temporary permit.

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 (P100,000.00) or not more than one million pesos

(1,000,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court.

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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 (P1,000.000.00), 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 cannot
be prevented from the practice of chemistry or chemical analysis 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 and Insurance, - 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,

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 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.

SEC. 45, 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 afler 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; (c) Has satisfied other reasonable requirements or criteria that the
Board may set to demonstrate his competence to teach such 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
which 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

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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. Repeating 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. SI. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or any major newspaper of general circulation.

Approved