Palace: Marcos open to tighter firearms law

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is open to imposing stiffer punishment for possession of loose firearms, but has to study the final version of the bill to be passed by Congress,?Malacañang said yesterday.  ?

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is seeking the passage of a law making the possession of loose firearms non-bailable and imposing a 20-year imprisonment against violators.

He claimed that 98 percent of crimes were committed using loose firearms, but those caught possessing them can post bail while cases are pending.?

“If the better law involves the imposition of a stiffer punishment, the President is open,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said at a media briefing in reaction to Remulla’s proposal.?

“Again, he (President Marcos) has to read the provision pertaining to it so he can give a more intelligent comment. But whatever will promote the interest of our country and our countrymen, the President will not hinder it,” she added.?

In a recent statement, Remulla revealed that congressional leaders are already working on proposed amendments to existing firearms laws.

He said the amendments may be completed by January.?

The country’s gun control policies gained the spotlight following the shootings at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Leyte on June 22 and the Ateneo de Zamboanga on Aug. 18, which left five students dead and scores injured.