Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10657)
Republic Act No. 10657 is officially titled the "Chemistry Profession Act."
The State recognizes chemistry as vital to public safety, the national economy, and environmental protection, and it aims to promote, regulate, and protect the professional practice of chemistry while ensuring high international standards.
A registered chemist is a person engaged in the professional practice of chemistry who is duly registered with the Board of Chemistry and the Professional Regulation Commission, and who has the authority to undertake such practice.
Registered chemists perform chemical analysis and synthesis, certify analyses, inspect and certify laboratories, supervise chemical laboratories and activities, teach professional chemistry, consult and research in chemistry, sell chemicals and related apparatus, and manage chemical safety and waste.
The Board consists of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from a ranked list submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission based on nominations by the accredited professional organization of chemists.
They must be Filipino citizens residents of the Philippines, of good moral character and sound mind, holders of at least a master's degree in Chemistry, registered chemists in active practice for at least 10 years, with no pecuniary interest in educational institutions conferring degrees in chemistry or involved in review classes, members in good standing of the APO, and not officers or trustees of the APO.
The penalty includes imprisonment from one month to one year, or a fine of P100,000 to P1,000,000, or both, at the court's discretion.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or from reciprocal countries, of good moral character and sound mind, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or allied degree with at least 60 units in chemistry including professional courses, and not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
The examination includes Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Examinees must obtain a general average of at least 70% and no rating less than 50% in any subject.
Foreign chemists may be granted temporary or special permits for consultation or teaching under specified conditions. They must come from countries granting reciprocal rights to Filipino chemists, and foreign chemists cannot be registered unless reciprocity is observed.