Noy signs law vs weapons of mass destruction

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed into law a bill seeking to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Philippines.

Republic Act 10697, the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), aims to stop the spread of WMD through responsible management of strategic goods and the provisions of related services in trade and investment.

Strategic goods refer to products that, for security reasons or due to international agreements, are considered to be of such military importance that their export is either prohibited altogether or subject to specific conditions.

The law was signed in compliance with the Philippines’ foreign policy and national security interests and to support efforts to counter terrorism, control crime and safeguard public safety. 

A Strategic Trade Management Committee under the National Security Council was created as a policy body that would regulate trade and management of strategic goods.

The law covers any natural or juridical person operating within the country engaged or intends to engage in the export of strategic goods and the re-export of strategic goods that have been imported from the Philippines to a foreign country.

A person caught engaging in such activity shall face imprisonment for a period from six years and one day to 12 years and a fine from P1 million to P5 million.

The Senate passed the STMA on Aug. 17,  which amended Bill No. 5822 of the House of Representatives.

The Philippines has joined other Asian countries with STM laws, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and China.

Naval Architecture Law

Aquino also signed into law RA 10698, the Naval Architecture Law to regulate and modernize the practice of naval architecture to develop and nurture globally competitive Filipino naval architects.

The government recognizes the importance of naval architects in nation building and development.

The Professional Regulatory Board of Naval Architecture was created  under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission to ensure the quality of the naval architect industry.

The 50-year-old RA 4565, the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Law was deemed as “outdated, with most of its provisions no longer applicable or relevant.”

During the transition period, the certificates of registration and professional identification cards of registered naval architects will continue to be valid until expiry.