President Marcos has signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12174, or the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act, banning the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons.

The new law, signed on April 15, aligns with the Philippines' commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims to protect human life and the environment from the dangers posed by such weapons.

RA 12174 designates the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) as the national authority responsible for implementing the law and coordinating with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The ATC is also tasked with developing implementing rules and regulations, designating local inspectors, identifying laboratories for off-site analysis, and regulating activities involving scheduled chemicals, including their production, processing, importation, exportation, and disposal.

“No inspection of a facility or any location pursuant to the Convention shall take place without the authorization of the ATC,” the law states.

The Act prohibits a wide range of activities, including the development, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, use, or transfer of chemical weapons.

RA 12174 also criminalizes the financing of such activities and the unauthorized possession of chemical precursors or scheduled toxic chemicals. The use of riot control agents as a method of warfare is likewise prohibited.

Penalties under the new law are severe.

“Any person who develops, produces, acquires, stockpiles, retains, transfers, or uses chemical weapons shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment, without the benefit of parole or the provisions of Republic Act No. 10592,” the law states.

Violators may also be fined between P2 million and P5 million.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be responsible for the custody and proper disposal of any confiscated chemical weapons.

RA 12174 applies not only within Philippine territory but also to Filipino individuals or entities abroad, including those aboard Philippine-registered vessels and aircraft.

Meanwhile, confidential information obtained under the law will only be disclosed for compliance, enforcement, or public safety emergencies.

The ATC is authorized to collaborate with other state authorities, international organizations, and to accept assistance from domestic or foreign sources in implementing the law.

To ensure transparency, the Philippines must submit annual declarations to the OPCW about activities involving toxic chemicals and relevant facilities.

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