The Technical Working Group (TWG) on Controlled Chemicals met on November 28, 2025, at the Board of Investments (BOI) at in Makati City. Key organizations represented in the session included the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (APMP), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), Philippine National Police- Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), and BOI.

During the meeting, the TWG reviewed the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act (RA) 9516 regarding the control of specific chemicals, line by line. Careful consideration through the development phase was crucial to ensure regulation would be comprehensive, clear, and effective in the management of controlled substances. 

The TWG members involved in this work underscore the multi-sectoral nature of regulatory oversight and the capacity-building that is expected of regulatory bodies, actors, and level players. The goals were to create better regulation, incentivize compliance, and ensure the responsible use of chemicals to protect public health and safety. This activity was an important step to strengthen the mechanism of chemical regulation and coordination with research in the country.