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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriquez, Jr.

House Bill No, 4238

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Cyanide poisoning occurs when a living organism is exposed to a compound that
produces cyanide ions (CN”) when dissolved in water. Cyanide makes the cells of an
organism unable to use oxygen, primarily through the inhibition of cytochrome ¢ oxidase.
Inhalation of high concentrations of cyanide causes coma with seizures, apnea, and cardiac,
arrest, with death following in a matter of minutes. At lower doses, loss of consciousness
may be preceded by general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, and
perceived difficulty in breathing. Exposure to lower levels of cyanide over a long period
results in increased blood cyanide levels, which can result in weakness and a variety of
symptoms, including permanent paralysis.

Recently, according to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines
National Poison Management and Control Center, there has been an increasing public
health concern over cases of poisoning attributed to the use of solutions with cyanide and
other toxic substances in cleaning silver jewelry. Analysis of samples of silver cleaning
solutions showed elevated levels of cyanide clearly posing imminent danger or even death to
humans, particularly when accidentally or deliberately ingested

It has been shown that silver-jewelry cleaning solution-containing cyanide and other
toxic substances as threat to health and safety and therefore there is a need for the strict
prohibition of their sale and use in the market

In view foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is immediately requested.

aka JR.


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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriquez, Jr.

4288

House Bill No.

AN ACT
BANNING THE PRODUCTION AND SELLING OF SILVERJEWELRY CLEANING
SOLUTIONS/AGENTS CONTAINING CYANIDE AND OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the
right to health of the people and instil health consciousness among them.

SEC. 2. It is hereby prohibited for producers or manufacturers of silver jewelry cleaning
solutions/agents in the Philippines to use cyanide or other toxic substances in the production
or formulation of their cleaning products

All commercial establishment such as jewelry shops and other retall outlets and
ambulant vendors are prohibited from selling and/or dispensing unregistered and/or
unlabeled silver-jewelry cleaning solutions/agents.

SEC. 3. It Is hereby mandated that all silver-jewelry cleaning solutions/agents be tested by
the Department of Trade and Industry and or Department of Health to ensure that they are
cyanide free before being sold in the Philippine market.

SEC. 4, Penal Provisions - Any person, whether juridical or natural, caught producing silver-
jewelry cleaning solutions/agents that contain cyanide or other toxic substances shall be
held liable to pay a fine of not less than Five hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000) nor more
than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) and imprisonment of not less than five (6) years nor
more than ten (10) years.

Any person, whether juridical or natural, caught selling unregistered and/or unlabeled
silver-jewelry cleaning solutions/agents or those that were not tested by the proper
authorities shall be held liable to pay a fine of not less than Five hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000) nor more than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) and imprisonment of not less
than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules - The Department of Health and the Department of Trade and
industry shall issue such orders, rules and regulations and other issuances as may be
necessary to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 6. Separability Clause — If for any reason, any part of or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause — Any law, executive order, letter of instruction, rules and
regulations, circulars, issuances or any part thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SEC. 8. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,