Possession of loose firearms must be a non-bailable offense and must carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla insisted after blaming the “Robin Padilla Law” for the surge of crimes in the country.

The amended firearms law, now referred to as Robin Padilla Law over false claims that the action star-turned senator authored it when he was in prison and not a lawmaker, made the possession of loose guns subject to the rules of bail and also reduced the penalties for certain firearms.

While that amendment of the law benefitted some people, Remulla said that was where the problem actually started as he emphasized that almost all gun-related crimes involved loose firearms.

“The current penalty does not provide a sufficient deterrent because persons caught illegally possessing loose firearms may still post bail while their cases are pending,” said Remulla.

“Now, when you catch someone with loose firearms, it’s bailable. You’ll just go out. You have a record but the case is bailable, then you go to a hearing,” he emphasized.

For Remulla, stronger penalties are necessary to deter the illegal possession and use of firearms, especially that gun violence is now a safety and security headache due to the two recent incidents of school shootings.

Asked what amendments he wants introduced in the law, Remulla said: “Non-bailable and then 20 years in prison.

On the way

Remulla disclosed that congressional leaders are already working on proposed amendments to strengthen the country’s firearms law, with action on the measure being expedited.

“I think it will be done by January. They’re gonna rush it,” he said.

He stressed that stronger penalties could have a broader impact on gun-related criminality, “If we do that, we can solve so many crimes.”

Greater accountability

Possession of firearms, according to Remulla, is a privilege that comes with greater accountability, “The privilege of owning a firearm comes with the responsibility to keep it properly secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.”

“Gun ownership also carries with it gun responsibility. The government should have the right to inspect their homes at any time and to see if the guns are in safekeeping at any time,” added.

Remulla emphasized that preventing firearms from falling into unauthorized hands requires both stronger laws against loose firearms and greater responsibility from legitimate gun owners in securing their weapons.