Below is a copy of the official letter sent to the relevant personalities of GMA News Network for their unfair depiction of chemists in one of their TV reports aired last 13 July 2017. A copy of this letter may be downloaded at this link.

Mr. FELIPE L. GOZON, Chairman of the Board
Mr. GILBERTO R. DUAVIT, President
Mr. JAEMARK TORDECILLA, Editor-in-Chief
GMA News

Dear Sirs,

On behalf of the Philippine Chemistry community, I wish to express our profound disappointment regarding your irresponsible use of the term “chemist” of the drug raid titled “Tsongkilate” which aired by GMA News last July 13, 2017.

It was clear from the coverage that the person who was apprehended was NOT a chemist. Such irresponsible use of terms belies a lack of appreciation for truth and accuracy of news reporting.

Chemistry is a very difficult and demanding subject and the country badly needs more Chemists to keep our competitiveness, support public safety and ensure a clean environment. Your thoughtless and incorrect use of the term damages this important profession and paints Chemists as drug pushers and criminals. Would parents encourage their children to take up this subject given your very negative news coverage? This news item has done a great disservice to Chemistry, a discipline and profession that the country needs to strengthen.

We ask GMA News to correct this error and to refrain from committing such irresponsible statements in the future.

Thank you.

Yours truly,

(signed) Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit
President

The Philippine Chemistry Community Strongly Urges our Legislators to Use Science in Drafting Laws:
The Death Penalty Bill and the Inclusion of Precursor and Essential Chemicals

The Philippine chemistry community, represented by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS), strongly urges our legislators to use SCIENCE in drafting laws. House Bill 001, otherwise known as the “Death Penalty Law”, aims to address the scourge of dangerous drugs in Philippine society. While we recognize this important concern, we oppose the provisions that equate dangerous drugs themselves with precursor and essential chemicals. Because of their importance in industry, agriculture, health, education, and research, inclusion of these chemicals must be done with adequate scientific knowledge.

We wish to note the following important points:

1. The bill does not define and identify what are precursor chemicals and essential chemicals. Virtually all precursor chemicals and essential chemicals are multi-use chemicals. Precursor chemicals may also be precursors to other important products, such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, cosmetics, agro-chemicals, and others. Likewise, essential chemicals may also be essential for many other purposes, including household and health uses. The cost to the economy can be staggering. The proposed bill is not scientifically rational.

2. Mere possession of a precursor chemical or an essential chemical is not equivalent to possession or manufacture of dangerous drugs. The proposed bill will criminalize legitimate users, and raise the cost of goods and damage the economy. This will also provide many opportunities for corruption.

3. The bill equates pure substances with mixtures. It does not distinguish a compound that is relatively pure with its presence in an essential oil or spice at 1% composition. It will criminalize possession of many medicinal plants and cooking ingredients.

This topic of precursor chemicals and essential chemicals should be discussed extensively together with experts in the field and with industry manufacturers.

The PFCS is composed of four organizations: the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (KKP), Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers (PACT) and Philippine Association of Chemistry Students (PACS).

Signed:

Armando M. Guidote Jr., PhD
President, Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies

Fabian M. Dayrit, PhD
President, Integrated Chemists of the Philippines

Nestor S. Valera, PhD
President, Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas

Jose M. Andaya, PhD
President, Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers

Mr. John Michael Porca
President, Philippine Association of Chemistry Students