Manila Times/Manila
President Benigno Aquino has signed a new law that imposes tougher restrictions on owning and carrying guns.
The President signed “An Act Providing for Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof (Republic Act 10591)
on May 29,” the Palace announced yesterday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
Among the key features of the new law are the standards and prerequisites for the issuance or obtaining a licence to own and possess a firearm.
Under RA 10591, an applicant for a gun licence must be a Filipino citizen; at least
21-years-old; has gained 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 must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, has passed the psychiatric test administered by a Philippine National Police (PNP) accredited psychologist or psychiatrist.
The applicant must also pass the drug test conducted by an accredited and authorised drug testing laboratory or clinic.
Applicants must also pass the gun safety seminar administered by the PNP or a registered or authorised gun club, must file in writing the application to possess a registered firearm indicating the personal circumstances why he or she needs to own a firearm.
Applicants should also get a police clearance to prove that they weren’t convicted or accused in a pending criminal case punishable with a penalty of more than two years. A person applying for a permit to carry (PTC) firearms must prove that he or she is under actual threat or is in imminent danger because of the nature of his or her profession, occupation or business.
Professionals who are considered to be in imminent danger due to the nature of their profession, occupation or business and are the members of the bar, certified public accountants (CPA), accredited media practitioners, cashiers, bank tellers, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams, physicians, nurses and engineers can apply.
Businessmen who are exposed to the high risk of being targets of criminal elements can also apply for a PTC.
