President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12174, the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act, into law on April 15, aligning the Philippines with the global Chemical Weapons Convention.
The law bans the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, as well as the transfer of toxic chemicals and related munitions without proper licenses.
It also criminalizes financial support for chemical weapons activities and the use of riot control agents in warfare.
Penalties for violating the law include life imprisonment without parole and a fine between P2 million and P5 million.
The law, now effective after publication in the Official Gazette, strengthens the country’s commitment to international disarmament and security efforts.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 26, 2025
