Senate OKs bill banning chemical weapons

With 22 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and abstentions, the Senate approved on Monday Senate Bill No. 2871, or the proposed “Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act,” on the third and final reading.

The approved version of the bill incorporates a provision that explicitly prohibits the financing of activities related to the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, use, or transfer of chemical weapons.

According to Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, the author and sponsor of the proposed measure, the passage of the proposed measure is a historic step toward fulfilling the country’s international commitment to global disarmament and the eradication of chemical weapons.

“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,” Estrada said in his speech.

“Today, this institution demonstrates its dedication to global disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and strengthens existing regulatory policies to prevent utilization and diversion of chemicals for terrorism and non-peaceful purposes,” he also said.

Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said the groundbreaking proposal is aimed at banning the development, production, possession, transfer, and the use chemical weapons in the country.

“One national legislation may not be enough to ensure universality in collective efforts against chemical attacks, but it is one step closer to our pursuit towards international peace and security,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said the passage of SB 2871 sends a strong message to the international community that the Philippines is committed to joining the “world free of chemical weapons.”

“[The] approval of the “Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act” is a testament to this Senate's commitment towards fulfilling its obligations as a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention,” he added. 

Dela Rosa noted the passage of the measure is also a timely tribute to the victims of chemical warfare as the international community recently observed the day of remembrance for all victims of chemical warfare just a few days ago on 30 November. 

What the bill does

Under the proposed measure, any individual who engages in the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, or use of chemical weapons shall incur a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Additionally, the offender will be fined not less than P2 million but not more than P5 million.

Penalties for other prohibited acts include imprisonment ranging from six years and a fine of up to P2 million.

The chamber’s move to approve the bill will also enhance regulatory measures against the diversion of chemicals for terrorism or other malicious purposes.