Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Republic Act (RA) 12174, a law that bans the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. The legislation, signed on April 15, outlines strict measures and regulations to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons within and beyond the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the law designates the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) as the national authority on the Chemical Weapons Convention. The ATC is tasked with acting as the focal point for coordination with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other States Parties. This ensures that the Philippines meets its obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction.

RA 12174 prohibits various activities, including developing, financing, and using chemical weapons, as well as transferring precursors and scheduled chemicals without licenses. It also restricts military preparations involving chemical weapons, using riot control agents as warfare methods, and importing or exporting Schedule 1 chemicals to or from non-party states of the Convention.

The law defines chemical weapons as toxic chemicals and their precursors, munitions, and devices designed to cause harm, and equipment used for deploying such munitions. The ATC is responsible for clarifying and representing the country's non-proliferation policy, in collaboration with the Philippine Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

Additionally, the ATC must develop regulations and policies regarding the handling and disposal of scheduled chemicals and facilities. It is also charged with forming committees and advisory boards, appointing local inspectors, and setting their qualifications and functions.

RA 12174 mandates investigations into violations and supports capacity-building and information campaigns on chemical safety. Violators face penalties, including fines up to PHP5 million and up to 20 years of imprisonment. Chemical weapons discovered in the Philippines will be seized by the national government, with priority given to their immediate disposal.

The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.