By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In the wake of reports that a former high-ranking official, rumored to be ex-President Rodrigo Duterte registering over 300 guns before the end of his term, CIBAC (Citizens Battle Against Corruption) party-list Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva has filed a bill aiming to limit individual possession of firearms and ammunition.
Although Villanueva did not categorically mention Duterte but in the explanatory note of his House Bill 9718, the charismatic leader of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) and CIBAC party-list representative mentioned a news report about a former high-ranking government official who was able to register more than 300 guns two weeks before the end of his term.
He noted that the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act 10591) allows certified gun collectors to own and possess more than 15 registered firearms.
“This provision must be amended and provide a maximum limit for an individual citizen to own and possess firearms. Allowing an individual citizen to own and possess an unlimited number of firearms is like creating an unsafe society where guns are just like ordinary commodities for those who can afford,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva’s proposed amendments include setting a maximum limit for individual firearm ownership and mandating the return of excess firearms and ammunition.
Under HB 9718, all individuals who have secured more than 20 registered firearms under RA 10591 will be mandated to return the excess to the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosive Office (PNP-FEO) within 90 days upon the effectivity of the measure.
Villanueva’s bill will also allow gun owners to possess ammunition with a maximum of 50 rounds for each registered firearm.
Citizens who have secured more than 50 rounds of ammunition for each registered firearm under RA 10591 will be mandated to return the excess to the PNP-FEO.
(IAmigo/MNM)