Senate, House ratify bicam report on extending validity of gun licenses

The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified on Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed measure seeking to extend the validity of gun licenses for up to ten years.

This came after both chambers reconciled the versions of their bills fixing the validity of the firearms' licenses.

House Bill 10610 and Senate Bill 1155 aim to fix the validity period of the license to own and possess, registration, and permit to carry firearms outside of residence or place of business.

The bicameral committee adopted Section 2 of the House version, which will increase the validity period of firearms licenses from two years to five or ten years at the option of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended.

Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chairman Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ensured that the Philippine National Police, which he previously led, would be authorized to draft the implementing rules and regulations to ensure that the extension is not abused by any licensee.

The bicameral panel also adopted the proposal of House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chairperson and Masbate Representative Narciso Bravo Jr. to include in those exempted from submitting the Threat Assessment Certificate requirement the elected incumbent and former officials as well as the active and retired military and other law enforcement personnel. —NB, GMA News