PRESIDENT Aquino recently signed Republic Act 10657, or the “Chemistry Profession Act.” The law aims to modernize and regulate the practice of chemistry profession in the country.
Agham President Angelo B. Palmones commended Mr. Aquino for enacting the bill which will greatly contribute in addressing the country’s concern toward public safety and environment protection.
As the former representative of the science and technology sector, Palmones filed a similar bill in the 15th Congress.
“The passing of the Chemistry Profession Act will be a big boost to the country’s goal for global competitiveness, particularly under the Asean integration scheme,” Palmones said. He mentioned that one of the features of the law is the creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry, which will be under the administration control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission.
The board shall be composed of a chairman and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three recommendees for each position from a list of five nominees for each position submitted by the accredited professional organization of chemists.
No chemist and chemistry technician can practice the profession without passing the required licensure examination. Anyone or any chemical laboratory engaged in the practice of chemistry found violating the guidelines for the practice of the profession shall be penalized with imprisonment for not less than one year, or a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P1,000,000, or both, at the discretion of the Court.
“The passage of the Chemistry Profession Act is a strong policy support to our aspiration for the advancement of science and technology in the country,” Palmones said. Agham, or the Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamayan, is a non-governmental organization pushing for the development of the country’s science and technology and strengthening of the application of research and development in various economic sectors of the country.