CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva (left), former president Rodrigo Duterte (Facebook, Malacañang photo)

Did former president Rodrigo Duterte's action at the tail end of his term prompt CIBAC Party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva to file a measure that would limit the number of registered firearms that Filipinos can own? 

Villanueva, a vice chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights, penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.9718, which seeks to amend Section 9, Paragraph or Republic Act (RA) No.10591. 

The amendment will limit the number of registered firearms and amunitions, and providing penalties for violations thereof. 

Villanueva's bill states that, "Recently a news broke out that a former higher government official got licenses to own and possess more than 300 guns two weeks before the end of his term invoking Section 9 Paragraph 5 of Republic Act 10591 known as 'Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act' that provides, 'Type 5 license - allows a citizen, who is a certified gun collector, to own and possess more than fifteen (15) registered firearms'." 

"This provision must be amended and provide a maximum limit for an individual citizen to own and possess firearms," the veteran solon said. 

He further said that "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." 

Based on online news reports, Duterte registered at least 358 firearms--all with 10-year validities and legal backing--just two weeks before ending his Palace term in June 2022. 

Villanueva didn't mention Duterte by name in his measure. 

"While it is the policy of the State to maintain peace and order and protect the people against violence, the State also recognizes the right of its qualified citizens to self-defense through, when it is the reasonable means to repel the unlawful aggression under the circumstances, the use of firearms. But the State must also put a limit on individual citizens owning and possessing firearms," read HB No.9718. 

Villanueva's proposal limits to 20 the number of firearms that may be registered under Type 5 license. 

If and when the bill is enacted, individuals who have more than 20 firearms must turn over the excess to the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO). 

Moreover, ammunition in excess of 50 rounds per registered firearm must also be turned over to the PNP-FEO. 

Under existing law, Type 5 license is granted to certified gun collectors, who may own more than 15 firearms. 

Villanueva said that every year, over 117,000 people get shot with guns.