Title
Penalty for Volatile Substance Abuse to Minors
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1619
Decision Date
Jul 23, 1979
Ferdinand E. Marcos enacts a decree imposing strict penalties for the use, possession, and unauthorized sale of volatile substances to minors, aimed at preventing intoxication and the associated health risks.
A

Prohibited Acts: Use and Possession

  • Use or possession of volatile substances for inhalation to induce intoxication or mental/physical alteration is punishable.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment of 6 months and 1 day to 4 years, and a fine of ₱600 to ₱4,000.
  • The Dangerous Drugs Act’s rehabilitative provisions may apply where appropriate.

Prohibited Acts: Sale and Distribution

  • Selling, administering, delivering, giving away, distributing, transporting, or brokering volatile substances for inhalation purposes is punishable.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment of 4 years and 1 day to 8 years, and a fine of ₱4,000 to ₱8,000.

Prohibited Acts: Maintenance of Places for Use

  • Maintaining any den, dive, or resort where such volatile substances are used for intoxication is punishable.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment of 4 years and 1 month to 8 years, and a fine of ₱4,000 to ₱8,000.

Sale to Minors

  • Selling or offering to sell volatile substances to minors without written parental or guardian consent is punishable.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment of 6 months and 1 day to 4 years, and a fine of ₱600 to ₱4,000.
  • Exemption for minors 18 years or older who are licensed motor vehicle drivers when selling gasoline or motor fuels.

Sale of High-Alcohol Content Liquors to Minors

  • Sale or offer to sell liquors or beverages with 30% alcohol content (60 proof) or above to minors is prohibited.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment of 6 months and 1 day to 4 years, and a fine of ₱600 to ₱4,000.

Regulatory Authority and Rehabilitation

  • The Dangerous Drugs Board is empowered to issue rules for implementing the decree.
  • Responsibilities include regulation, treatment, rehabilitation of volatile substance dependents, and confinement.
  • The Board may publish lists of restricted or prohibited industrial or commercial products containing the specified substances.

Effectivity

  • The decree takes immediate effect upon promulgation.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.