Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1619)
The primary purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1619 is to penalize the use, possession, and unauthorized sale to minors of volatile substances for the purpose of inducing intoxication or altering auditory, visual, or mental processes.
Volatile substances are defined as any liquid, solid, or mixed substance that releases toxic vapors or fumes containing specific chemical compounds which, when inhaled or introduced into the body, produce intoxication or disturb the auditory, visual, or mental processes.
Some chemical compounds include ethanol, acetone, benzene, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, nitrous oxide, ether, and chloroform among others.
Penalties include imprisonment from six months and one day to four years and a fine ranging from six hundred to four thousand pesos.
Imprisonment ranging from four years and one day to eight years and a fine ranging from four thousand to eight thousand pesos are imposed on such persons.
The penalty is imprisonment from four years and one month to eight years and a fine from four thousand to eight thousand pesos.
Volatile substances can only be sold or offered to minors with the written consent of their parents or guardians, except when the minor is licensed to drive and the substance is gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel.
Imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to four years and a fine of six hundred to four thousand pesos.
The sale or offer to sell liquors or beverages containing 30% alcohol or above to minors is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment from six months and one day to four years and a fine from six hundred to four thousand pesos.