-
The electronics industry is seeking exemption from Commission on Elections chemical transport regulations during the election period
-
The regulation requires manufacturers to secure Certificates of Authority to Transport and Certificates of Authority to Acquire Chemicals for certain substances essential in the cleaning of electronic components
-
The sector warned compliance could result in additional costs and operational delays
-
Controlled chemicals are banned during the election period because they can be used to manufacture explosives and explosive ingredients that can destroy objects or maim or kill
-
The ban took effect on January 12 and will last until June 2025
-
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority backs the exemption request, noting the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office already regulates the use of chemicals
The electronics industry is seeking exemption from the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) chemical transport regulations during the election period, warning compliance could result in additional costs and operational delays.
With the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, companies that use controlled chemicals in manufacturing must apply for a Certificates of Authority to Transport and Certificates of Authority to Acquire Chemicals to secure exemption from Comelec’s gun ban.
The prohibition took effect on January 12 and will last until June 2025.
Under the law, controlled chemicals refer to chlorates, nitrates, nitric acid and other chemicals categorized under Section 3.1 of the “Implementing Rules and Regulations on Controlled Chemicals Pursuant to Section 4-C to 4-F of PD No. 1886, as Amended by RA No. 9516.”
These controlled chemicals are banned during the election period because they can be used to manufacture explosives and explosive ingredients that can destroy objects or maim or kill.
Non-exemption means “mean additional costs and undue delay to the industry,” said Dan Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI).
He noted the industry has not had any incident of misuse or diversion of these chemicals in the past 50 years, though he did not provide specifics on the potential financial impact.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Tereso Panga said the agency supports SEIPI’s position.
He noted chemicals used by electronics manufacturers are already regulated by the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office, rendering additional Comelec requirements unnecessary.
Panga also cited past election periods, where delays in issuing required certificates led to production disruptions, temporary shutdowns, and the abandonment of registered business enterprises’ imports at ports.
In 2022, PEZA also asked Comelec to immediately issue ecozone locators permits to transport regulated chemicals and raw materials.
