The Philippine Chemistry Community Strongly Urges

our Legislators to Use Science in Drafting Laws:

The Death Penalty Bill and the Inclusion of Precursor
and Essential Chemicals
The Philippine Chemistry Community, represented by the Philippine Federation of
Chemistry Societies (PFCS), strongly urges our legislators to use SCIENCE in drafting
laws. House Bill 001, otherwise known as the Death Penalty Law, aims to address
the scourge of dangerous drugs in Philippine society. While we recognize this
important concern, we oppose the provisions that equate dangerous drugs
themselves with precursor and essential chemicals. Because their importance in
industry, agriculture, health, education, and research, inclusion of these chemicals
must be done with adequate scientific knowledge.

We wish to note the following important points:

1. The bill does not define and identify what are precursor chemicals and
essential chemicals. Virtually all precursor chemicals and essential chemicals
are multi-use chemicals. Precursor chemicals may also be precursors to other
important products, such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, cosmetics, agro-
chemicals, and others. Likewise, essential chemicals may also be essential for
many other purposes, including household and health uses. The cost to the
economy can be staggering. The proposed bill is not scientifically rational.
2. Mere possession of a precursor chemical or an essential chemical is not
equivalent to possession or manufacture of dangerous drugs. The proposed
bill will criminalize legitimate users, and raise the cost of goods and damage
the economy. This will also provide many opportunities for corruption.
3. The bill equates pure substances with mixtures. It does not distinguish a
compound that is relatively pure with its presence in an essential oil or spice
at 1% composition. It will criminalize possession of many medicinal plants
and cooking ingredients.

This topic of precursor chemicals and essential chemicals should be discussed

extensively together with experts in the field and with industry manufacturers.

The PFCS is composed of four organizations: the Integrated Chemists of the

Philippines (ICP), Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (KKP), Philippine
Association of Chemistry Teachers (PACT) and Philippine Association of
Chemistry Students (PACS).

Signed,

Armando M. Guidote Jr., Ph.D.

President, PFCS
Fabian M. Dayrit, Ph.D. Nestor S. Valera, Ph.D.
President, ICP President, KKP

Jose M. Andaya, Ph.D. John Michael Porca

President, PACT President, PACS