Provincial Board eyes gun safety ordinance

CEBU, Philippines — The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu is considering a local ordinance promoting responsible firearm handling and safety following the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City, with Vice Governor Glenn Soco saying lawmakers want to explore legislative measures that could help prevent similar incidents.

Soco said he intends to discuss the matter with members of the Provincial Board to determine what legislation can be enacted to better protect children. He stressed that the recent tragedy calls for a comprehensive and carefully studied response.

"We're planning to talk to the Provincial Board members regarding the situation on what legislative measures we can pass to safeguard our children," Soco said in a phone interview.

He said one area the board wants to examine is responsible gun ownership and firearm safety, adding that provincial legislators may craft an ordinance with penal provisions to reinforce existing laws.

"I raised the issue about gun ownership and safety. We will see the possibility to legislate, possibly come up with an ordinance because the ordinance has penal provisions," he said.

According to the vice governor, the Provincial Board will first review existing national laws on firearms before determining how a provincial ordinance can complement them through education and local enforcement mechanisms.

He clarified that the proposed measure is not intended to replace existing firearm regulations but to strengthen responsible gun ownership and promote safety awareness.

Aside from firearm safety, Soco said lawmakers are also looking at measures that directly address the welfare of students inside schools.

Among the proposals he supports is regulating cellphone use in schools, saying technology can be utilized to limit students' access to certain applications during class hours.

"I am for regulating the use of cellphones in the schools. It can even be done through technology wherein certain applications may be barred from the use of children," he said.

Soco also underscored the need to expand guidance and counseling services as well as mental health programs in schools. He said these should be reinforced alongside any security measures.

Asked about proposals by some local governments to prohibit or regulate cellphone use in schools like Dumanjug, Soco said the Provincial Board respects the authority of local government units, which are in the best position to assess conditions within their respective jurisdictions.

However, he said the board will also study whether provincial policies should be harmonized with those of component local government units through continued dialogue and consultation.

The vice governor emphasized that protecting children requires a whole-of-government approach, noting that the roots of violence are not confined to schools alone but also involve families, parenting, and the responsible use of technology.

He added that the Provincial Board has yet to identify an existing provincial ordinance specifically regulating cellphone use in schools or reinforcing responsible firearm ownership, making both areas possible subjects of future legislation. — /MRM (FREEMAN)