Senate to tackle proposed Gun Control Act of 2009

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate hopes to start discussions on the proposed Gun Control Act of 2009, which has been pending at the Senate, in a bid to provide stricter penalties for gun smugglers and violators, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said yesterday.

Zubiri said he is awaiting the report of the Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs led by Sen. Gregorio Honasan to be able to calendar the plenary debates for Senate Bill 3375.

Congress resumes today after about two weeks on break to allow for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) by national and local candidates.

The filing of COCs ends today.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed the proposed Gun Control Act of 2009 last August. The proposed law aims to amend certain provisions of Presidential Decree 1866 and impose higher penalties for gun-related violations.

The call for lawmakers to act on the proposed law came as the PNP amnesty program for loose firearms ended yesterday.

Under Section 4 (Unlawful Acquisition or Possession of Firearms or Ammunition) of the proposed law pending at the Senate, any person who shall unlawfully acquire or possess any firearm shall be imposed with the penalty of prison mayor in its minimum period and a fine of not less than P40,000.

If there are five or more firearms, the penalty to be imposed shall be reclusion temporal in its minimum period and a fine of not less than P100,000.

In case of unlawful possession or acquisition of ammunition, the penalty of imprisonment and fine shall be based on the quantity of ammunition.