The Senate on Monday, December 9, approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2871 or the bill banning the production, financing and use of chemical weapons.
Twenty-two (22) senators voted in favor of the proposed “Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act”; there were no negative votes.
Senate President Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, sponsor of the measure, said the Senate’s approval signifies that it has taken a historic step toward fulfilling the country’s international commitment to global disarmament and the eradication of chemical weapons.
According to Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, the measure primarily outlaws activities related to the use, manufacture, production and financing.
“Thirty-one years after the Philippines signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and 28 years since the Senate concurred in the ratification of the same, finally we are one step closer to fulfilling our commitment of enacting a national legislation to fully implement its provisions and join the international community in the ongoing efforts to completely eliminate chemical weapons and prohibit its use,” said Estrada said in his speech.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, also welcomed the Senate’s approval of the measure, saying this will “serve as a strong message to the international community that the Philippines is one with its pursuit towards a world free of chemical weapons.”
“In this day and age where anything is possible through the rapid technological advancements and scientific developments, from the proliferation of the cyberattacks to chemical security threats, to say that it is imperative for our country to boost our legislative efforts through measures that will ensure prosecution against those who violate the Convention, is an understatement,” said Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
Under the measure, any person who would be found guilty of financing the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, or use of chemical weapons would be penalized with 20 years in jail up to life imprisonment, and a fine ranging between P500,000 to P1 million.
Also, any individual who engages in the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, or use of chemical weapons shall face a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, and would be ordered to pay P2 million to P5 million as fine.