Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla expressed his belief that there is no better model when it comes to responsible gun ownership than him, citing his 3-year incarceration for illegal possession of firearms.
"Siguro pagkatapos ng ating pangungulungan ng 3 taon na galing sa baril, wala na po sigurong magiging pinakamagandang modelo ng paghawak ng pagiging responsable sa usapin ng baril kundi ako na po yan sapagka't ako po ay 3.5 taon nakakulong dahil sa illegal possession of firearms. Paglabas ko po ng kulungan, nasa utak ko talaga ang bagong anyo ng buhay. Kailangan may bagong makita, di basagulero o mainit ang ulo (I consider myself as a model for responsible ownership as I was imprisoned for three and a half years because of illegal possession of firearms - and vowed to mend my ways. I am no longer hotheaded)," he said as he launched a four-day shootfest at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Padilla, a gun enthusiast, also said he hopes "The Robinhood Padilla Cup (First Mistah Shootfest)" will also help rebel returnees reintegrate into society, as organizers planned for proceeds of the event to go to helping them.
"Kapagka ang baril sinama mo ng paging responsable, napakagandang ka-partner nito. Kasangkapan mo yan hindi para awayin mo kapwa mo... Ito ang gusto nating iparating sa ating kababayan. At sino ba ang pinakamagandang magtuturo niyan, siyempre ang Sandatahang Lakas (Firearms and responsible ownership are a good partnership. Firearms should never be used for violence. This is the message we want to impart to our people. And who better to teach this than the Armed Forces of the Philippines)," he said.
Padilla stressed the AFP has a big role in helping civilians learn discipline and the proper use of firearms. He said he hopes the shootfest would help civilians change their thinking that firearms are for violence.
For its part, the PMA Banyuhay Class of 2002, which organized the event, said the shootfest aims to help former rebels who wish to return to the fold of the law through scholarships.
The event will run from May 2 to 5. On May 2, the shootfest will involve uniformed personnel and government officials; a celebrity fun shoot is scheduled on May 5.
Sanctioned by the Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA), the shootfest will allow handguns, Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs), and mini-rifles.
A registration fee of P2,500 was to be collected from participants.