Proposed Chemistry Law passed on Third Reading

Senate Bill No. 914 or the proposed Chemistry Law of 2013 has been passed on its third and final reading.

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV, principal author and sponsor of the said measure, stated the significant 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, that justify the need to reformulate the existing Chemistry Law of 1952 under Republic Act No. 754.

According to Trillanes, "This urgency is necessary to develop a more responsive legislation to the modern developments in the field of Chemistry." Trillanes cited the sophisticated chemical design, synthesis and analyses which are required in a wide variety of applications, such as water, food products, pharmaceuticals, forensics, plastics and polymers, materials, and many others.

SBN 914 seeks to promote the study and practice of Chemistry in the country. Specifically, it proposes to introduce the following important changes: update the definition of Chemistry and the scope of the professional practice of Chemistry; upgrade its global competitiveness and bring it in line with international practice, certification and standards; 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; and support the requirement for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for the continuous training and international competitiveness of professional chemists.

"Chemistry is vital to public safety, the national economy, and the protection of the environment. It is necessary and just that the State regulate and protect the study and professional practice of Chemistry, and to promote its continued development in accordance to the high international standard of chemistry," Trillanes emphasized.