Title
Penalizing misuse of volatile substances
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1619
Decision Date
Jul 23, 1979
Presidential Decree No. 1619 penalizes the use, possession, or unauthorized sale of volatile substances in the Philippines, aiming to prevent their use as dangerous drug substitutes and the resulting physiological damage, dependency, and anti-social behavior.

Use and Possession Prohibited for Intoxication Purposes

  • It is unlawful to use or possess volatile substances with the intent of inhalation to induce intoxication or similar effects.
  • Penalty ranges from imprisonment of six months and one day to four years.
  • Fine ranges from six hundred to four thousand pesos.
  • Provisions of Republic Act No. 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act) regarding rehabilitative confinement and suspension of sentence apply when appropriate.

Unauthorized Sale and Distribution Penalties

  • Selling, administering, delivering, giving, distributing, dispatching, transporting, or brokering volatile substances for inhalation intoxication purposes is penalized.
  • Imprisonment for four years and one day to eight years.
  • Fine from four thousand to eight thousand pesos.

Maintenance of Dens or Resorts for Substance Use

  • Establishing or maintaining a place where volatile substances are used for intoxication purposes is prohibited.
  • Penalties include imprisonment from four years and one month to eight years.
  • Fine ranges from four thousand to eight thousand pesos.

Sale to Minors Regulations

  • Sale or offer to sell volatile substances to minors requires written consent of parents or guardians.
  • Failure to obtain consent results in imprisonment from six months and one day to four years and a fine of six hundred to four thousand pesos.
  • Exception for minors aged eighteen or above with a valid motor vehicle license when the substance is gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels.

Sale of High Alcohol Content Liquors to Minors Prohibited

  • Sale or offer to sell liquors or beverages with alcoholic content of thirty percent or higher to minors is prohibited.
  • Penalty includes imprisonment from six months and one day to four years.
  • Fine ranges from six hundred to four thousand pesos.

Role of the Dangerous Drugs Board

  • Authorized to issue rules and regulations to implement the decree.
  • Responsible for overseeing treatment and rehabilitation of volatile substance dependents.
  • May require labeling of industrial or commercial products containing relevant chemical compounds.
  • Can publish lists of restricted or prohibited products in newspapers.

Effectivity

  • The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.

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