Aquino signs comprehensive firearms law

President Benigno Aquino III signed last Wednesday the comprehensive law regulating the ownership of firearms and ammunition, Malacañang said Saturday.

Republic Act 10591 lists down the standards and prerequisites for a license to own and possess a firearm, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

"The new law also requires gun owners to renew their licenses every two years on or before the date of expiration. If they fail to renew their licenses, the PNP will revoke them and this also entails confiscation of the firearm," a Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) article quoted Valte as saying.

Under the law, one must be a Filipino citizen at least 21 years old to apply for a gun license.

An applicant must also have full work occupation or business or has filed an income tax return for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation.

"The applicant has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, has passed the psychiatric test administered by a Philippine National Police-accredited psychologist or psychiatrist," it said.

An applicant must also pass a drug test by an accredited and authorized drug testing laboratory or clinic.

Other requirements include:

Those who want to carry a firearm outside their residence or place of business may apply for a Permit To Carry (PTC) if he or she "is under actual threat or is in imminent danger due to the nature of his or her profession, occupation or business."

Under the law, these may include professionals considered in imminent danger due to the nature of their profession, such as members of the Philippine Bar, certified public accountants (CPA), accredited media practitioners, cashiers, bank tellers, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams, physicians, nurses, and engineers.

Businessmen exposed to the high risk of being targets of criminal elements are also allowed to apply for PTC.

On the other hand, only small firearms may be registered by licensed citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carrying.

"A light weapon shall be lawfully acquired or possessed exclusively by the AFP, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies authorized by the President in the performance of their duties. All firearms must be registered at the PNP," the PCOO said.

It added firearms for use in sports and competitions also should be licensed.

On the other hand, Valte said firearms and ammunition manufacturers must also apply for licenses, while both locally manufactured and imported firearms must be registered.

Meanwhile, gun stores should have a "license to deal" based on the new law for the purchase and sale of guns, as well as general business in handling firearms and ammunition.

Gunsmiths must also apply for a license for them to repair registered firearms. — LBG, GMA News