Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 754)
Chemistry is defined as the science which studies the properties of matter; the changes in composition which substances undergo; the energy involved in; and the conditions necessary for the transformation of matter.
A chemist is any person who, for fee, salary, or other compensation, renders professional service requiring the use and application of chemical knowledge, and/or chemical or physico-chemical processes.
The Board is composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation from the Commissioner of Civil Service, selected from registered chemists of recognized standing in the Philippines.
Board members must be Philippine citizens and residents, at least 30 years old, duly registered chemists with at least 10 years of chemical work experience, and must not have pecuniary interest in any school or be faculty where chemistry is taught.
A person must obtain a certificate of registration from the Board of Examiners for Chemists unless exempted by law.
Chemists from other countries called in for consultations or short projects under six months, and foreigners employed as technical officers, professors, or consultants in chemistry if they are internationally recognized experts and do not engage in private practice.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a Filipino citizen, of good reputation and moral character, and must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or equivalent with sufficient chemistry units, or have equivalent practical experience.
The examination is held twice a year on such working days and places as fixed by the Board and approved by the Commissioner of Civil Service.
The examination covers General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Allied subjects, and a specialization branch chosen from applied, analytical, or theoretical advanced chemistry.
Violating persons or entities shall be fined between one hundred to one thousand pesos, or imprisoned for up to three months, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Yes, provided the practice is carried out by chemists holding valid certificates of registration, and the person in charge of management is personally liable for any violations.
There must be reciprocity, meaning the foreign chemist's country allows Filipino chemists to practice on the same basis within its territorial limits.
The Board can administer exams, issue, suspend, or revoke certificates, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and require production of documents for cases involving registration or practice violations.
Members hold office for three years or until their successors are appointed and qualified, with staggered terms for the first Board.
Yes, the Board may suspend or revoke certificates for fraud in obtaining registration, gross negligence, incompetency, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct after due notice and hearing.