The House Committee on Public Order and Security has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit its stand on several bills proposing stricter and responsible gun ownership policies in the country.
In a recent hearing, Masbate Rep. Narciso Bravo said other concerned agencies will also be requested to submit their position on the nine bills filed before the House panel.
He assured authors that committee recommendations will be considered in the next hearing at the same time the PNP and other government and private agencies have submitted their position papers.
Among the bills under consideration is House bill 1593 authored by Deputy Speaker Michael L. Romero and Rep. Enrico Pineda, both of 1PACMAN Partylist.
Romero said HB 1593 proposes a comprehensive law regulating the ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing and importation of firearms. Its provisions are expected to help the government carry out its anti-crime program and stop the proliferation of illegal firearms.
HB 1593 grants an amnesty period of three months for holders of firearms that are unlicensed or withe expired licenses to have their guns registered.
Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo filed HB 4728 proposing stricter gun ownership regulation that will start upon the purchase of firearms and the filing of applications for licenses.
Under HB 4728, gun owners may only be granted permits to carry their firearms outside residence upon compliance with a series of qualification requirements such as passing neuropsychiatric tests and markmanship training.
The bill also makes it mandatory for gunowners to undergo seminars on anger management, firearm safety, situational awareness and proper handgun maintenance, among others.
Reps. Estrellita Suansing (PDP-Laban, Nueva Ecija) and Horacio Suansing Jr. (PDP-Laban, Sultan Kudarat) proposed amendments to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Under HB 8271 which the couple filed, uniform validity period will be provided for various licenses and permits issued by the government.