House committee rejects gun ban proposal

MANILA, Philippines - As far as the House of Representatives is concerned, there will be no gun ban law. This after the committee on public order and safety rejected a bill which seeks to impose a nationwide gun ban, except for policemen, the military, and members of certain law enforcement agencies. Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson, principal author of House Bill (HB) 2206, said the committee decided to instead consolidate all bills seeking to regulate the possession and carrying firearms. This decision practically rejected the Joson bill, which provides for a total gin ban to include law enforcers. Pro- and anti-gun ban advocates attended Tuesday’s committee hearing on four different gun control bills that included the regulation of the sale, disposition, and carrying of firearms, and the rationalization of fees and charges on firearms, ammunition, spare parts and components of explosives. Mr. Joson, who represents a province having one of the highest incidence of political violence, himself admitted that enforcement of a total gun policy may be difficult for law enforcement agencies. "But the bills to be consolidated contain stringent measures that will make it practically illegal for anybody to carry firearms," he added. Committee chairman and Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino (4th district) noted that HB 2206 contained "unrealistic" provisions. "It’s enough that we observe strict measures in allowing anybody to own or carry firearms. The qualifications for possession and licensing should be limited," said Mr. Antonino. Gunless Society President Nandy Pacheco said they are not against gun ownership so long as they keep their weapons at home. Mr. Pacheco said many firearm owners argue that they can only accede to the appeal of his group if "there are no more criminals." Selfish He said the argument espoused by pro-gun advocates is "selfish and anti-communitarian because it does not promote common good." "How then can the millions of unarmed, peaceful citizens of this country be protected against guns whether they are licensed or unlicensed?" On the other hand, the Peaceful Responsible Owners of Guns (Progun) said authors of the gun ban should note three facts on the peace and order situation. First, the government cannot guarantee the safety of each individual citizen; second, citizens are deprived of the right to protect themselves and third, criminals take advantage of the above two conditions, said group director Orly Marquez. "If you want to stop crime, you do not crack down on the law-abiding citizenry. You crack down on the criminals," he added. Bills seeking to regulate the possession and carrying of firearms were filed by Reps. Mark Llandro Mendoza (Batangas), Emilio Abaya (Cavite ), and PL-ARC party-list Rep. Narciso D. Santiago III. Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez filed HB 593 that seeks higher fees and charges for firearms, ammunition, explosives, explosive ingredients and pyrotechnics.- BusinessWorld