Mandaue controls sale, use of ordinary sealants

CEBU, Philippines - Unauthorized distribution, sale, and illegal use of Rugby, Vulcaseal, and other ordinary household sealants for the purpose of inducing intoxication will now be penalized in Mandaue City.

The ordinance authored by city councilor Jimmy Lumapas has been approved by the city council.

Lumapas said he decided to file an ordinance after law enforcement agencies revealed that these substances are openly sold to the general public and is availed by drug dependents as substitutes for dangerous drugs.

He said that these volatile substances pose health hazards as exposure to these substances causes toxicity to the nervous system, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, and other health hazards.

He said since the unauthorized sale has been rampant, most users are minors who are now addicted to the illegal substances.

With the approval of the ordinance, minors are first required to present a written consent from their parents or guardians before an establishment will sell them such goods or else the erring establishment will be dealt with a penalty of P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and P5,000 and closure of the establishment for the third offense.

And for those who are caught in the act of inhaling such volatile substance will be made to pay a fine of P500 and 30 days imprisonment.

Provisions of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 can also be charged against a person caught using these volatile substances.

While minors 15 years old or under who are caught in the act of inhaling such volatile substance shall be subjected to a comprehensive juvenile intervention program of three years which shall be instituted by the City Social Welfare Services.

However, if one caught is 15 years old but below 18 years old, he/she shall likewise be exempt from the liabilityof this ordinance and be subjected to an intervention program, unless such minor has acted with discernment, in which case he/she will be subjected to proceedings under the RA9165.  (FREEMAN)