Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

WS8No,__ 401

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. 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 international 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 in
the Philippines, thereby, ensuring the country's competitiveness on the global stage.

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

Representative
Lone District, Province of Aurora


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

H.BNo._ 401

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. 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 by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

ARTICLE |
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 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, 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.


(c) 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.

(d) 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;

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

i. 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 biochemically- related
matters, such as molecular design, molecular modeling, chemometrics, and
others; and

vili, other analytical methods which characterize matter at the atomic, molecular,
surface or supramolecular level.

(©) 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.

() Chemical laboratory shall mean a facility where activities described in Sections 3d

and 3e are performed. Such activities carried out outside of @ chemical laboratory,

for example, a factory, mobile laboratory, or field analysis, are also covered.


(9) 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

oF regulatory matters. The following and similar activities shall be the functions of the Registered
Chemist:

Performance of an analysis or synthesis;
Certification of an analysis or synthesis;
Inspection of a laboratory with respect to its chemical or biochemical activities;

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

PeRONS

Supervision of an analysis or 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; 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. 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;

(©) 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;

(@ 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
resided over by the Chairperson or a Member of the Board with the assistance of
an attomey 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;

()) 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) Amember in good standing of the APO;

(q) 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
term of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their successors shall have
ai

qualified and shall have been appointed. They may be reappointed for another term of three (3)

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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

(c) Manipulation or

igging 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 mest 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 Ill
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;

(c) 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) Helshe 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 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) Helshe 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

(0) 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.

‘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

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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 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
(2) years, subject to renewal, provided that the Certificate of Registration shall not have been
suspended or revoked under the provisions of this Act.

9


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 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
(d) 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 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

10


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 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;
(0) Abets the illegal practice of chemistry by an unregistered or unauthorized person;
(d) Fumishes the Board or Commission any false information or document in order to
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 (P100,000.00) 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

12


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; (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 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. - \f 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,

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