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MANILA, Philippines - The Senate has passed on third and final reading a measure that will provide a comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition as well as penalties for violating the law.
The proposed Act also amends Presidential Decree 1866 on laws on unlawful possession, manufacture and dealing in the acquisition or disposition of firearms and ammunition.
It also mandates that the use of loose firearms, when inherent to the commission of a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code or other special laws, will be considered an aggravating circumstance.
Under the proposal, only a Filipino citizen at least 21 years old and has gainful work, occupation or business or has filed an income tax return for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation can acquire a gun.
The measure also outlines requirements that an applicant must submit to be able to get or buy a gun. These include certifications showing that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; he or she passed a psychiatric test administered by a PNP-accredited psychologist or psychiatrist; passed a drug test; and a gun safety seminar, among others.
It also allows that the acquittal or permanent dismissal of a criminal case before the courts of law shall qualify the accused to acquire a gun license.
A permit to carry firearms outside residence shall be issued by the Philippine National Police chief or his duly authorized representative to any qualified person whose life is under threat or imminent danger.
Under the measure, the penalty of prision mayor in its medium period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully acquire or possess a small firearm; reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed if three or more small arms of class-A light weapons are unlawfully acquired or possessed by any person.
Penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully acquire or possess a class-A light weapon.
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