Penalizing The Use Or Possession Or The Unauthorized Sale To Minors Of Volatile Substances For The Purpose Of Inducing Intoxication Or In Any Manner Changing, Distorting Or Disturbing The A

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1619

Definition of Volatile Substances (Section 1):
- Volatile substances are defined as any liquid, solid or mixed substance that releases toxic vapors or fumes containing one or more of the listed chemical compounds (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.).
- These substances, when inhaled or introduced into the body, can produce intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, dulling of the brain or nervous system, depression, giddiness, paralysis, or irrational behavior, or can change, distort or disturb the auditory, visual or mental processes.

Penalties for Use or Possession of Volatile Substances (Section 2):
- Using or possessing volatile substances for the purpose of inhalation to induce intoxication or any of the conditions described in Section 1 is punishable by:
    - Imprisonment ranging from 6 months and 1 day to 4 years.
    - A fine ranging from 600 to 4,000 pesos.
- The provisions of Article VI of Republic Act No. 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972) on rehabilitative confinement and suspension of sentence shall apply whenever appropriate.

Penalties for Selling, Administering, or Distributing Volatile Substances (Section 3):
- Selling, administering, delivering, giving away, distributing, dispatching in transit, transporting, or acting as a broker in any such transactions involving volatile substances for the purpose of inhalation to induce intoxication or any of the conditions described in Section 1 is punishable by:
    - Imprisonment ranging from 4 years and 1 day to 8 years.
    - A fine ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 pesos.

Penalties for Maintaining a Den or Resort for Volatile Substance Use (Section 4):
- Maintaining a den, dive or resort where volatile substances are used for the purpose of inhalation to induce intoxication or any of the conditions described in Section 1 is punishable by:
    - Imprisonment ranging from 4 years and 1 month to 8 years.
    - A fine ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 pesos.

Penalties for Selling Volatile Substances to Minors (Section 5):
- Selling or offering to sell volatile substances to minors without the written consent of their parents or guardians is punishable by:
    - Imprisonment ranging from 6 months and 1 day to 4 years.
    - A fine ranging from 600 to 4,000 pesos.
- Exception: Written consent is not required for minors aged 18 or over who are licensed to drive a motor vehicle when the volatile substance sold or offered for sale is gasoline or any other motive fuel for motor vehicles.

Prohibition on Selling Alcoholic Beverages to Minors (Section 6):
- Selling or offering to sell liquors or beverages containing an alcoholic content of 30% or above (60 proof or above) to minors is prohibited and punishable by:
    - Imprisonment ranging from 6 months and 1 day to 4 years.
    - A fine ranging from 600 to 4,000 pesos.

Powers of the Dangerous Drugs Board (Section 7):
- The Dangerous Drugs Board is empowered to issue rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this decree, including:
    - Treatment and rehabilitation of dependents on volatile substances.
    - Confinement of dependents in rehabilitation centers.
    - Regulation or prohibition of industrial or commercial products containing the listed chemical compounds.
    - Publication of a list of restricted or prohibited industrial or commercial products in a newspaper of general circulation.

Effectivity (Section 8):
- This Decree shall take effect immediately.