Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV is urging his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the passage of a measure imposing stricter controls on transfers of dual-use good and technologies which may be used for weapons of mass destruction.
Trillanes said the term “dual-use goods and technologies” or “strategic goods” refers to items which can be used both for peaceful means as well as to build Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Among such items are chemicals which are used to produce make-up, fertilizers or explosives.
“Terrorist networks have learned to take advantage of the global economic, information and telecommunications networks in pursuing their objectives. Even the goods we use daily can be utilized in the development and production of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD),” he said in a statement on Friday.
“It is for this reason that more countries are recognizing their responsibilities with regard to nuclear security and, more generally, global security against the propagation of Weapons of Mass Destruction,” he said.
Trillanes, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said there is a need to enable governments to simultaneously pursue the objectives of WMD non-proliferation and other economic objectives.
The senator sponsored Senate Bill No. 2762, which seeks to create a National Strategic Goods List that would describe with specificity the strategic goods subject to control and authorization.
Under the bill, a National Security Council (NSC) – Strategic Management Committee will be created to act as a central authority on all matters relating to strategic trade management, focusing on the country’s international commitment towards the promotion of a secure and safe environment for trade in strategic goods.
A Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO) will likewise be activated to serve as the executive and technical agency of the national government. It will handle the national management systems for the trade in strategic goods.
According to the bill, any person who intends to engage in the export, import, transit, and transshipment of strategic goods, or the provision of related services should be required to obtain an authorization from STMO.
“Without the proper legislation in place that would prevent proliferation of WMD, we risk the destruction of lives and properties and the security of our country should the same fall in the wrong hands. We also risk involving our country in terroristic acts and schemes through the transfer of materials across our borders. Hence, we need to pass this measure,” Trillanes added.
The Philippines, he said, is a signatory to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 which obliges all UN member States to have and enforce measures against proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and their delivery systems. KS