House, Senate eye easing of firearms, ammunition law

MANILA, Philippines - Congressional leaders are eyeing to amend Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law, to put an end to the alleged laglag-bala (bullet planting) extortion scheme at the airport.

During their monthly consultations yesterday, the lawmakers reviewed pending bills seeking to amend the law.

Senate President Franklin Drilon told reporters after meeting with the contingent of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. that they are amenable to amending the law.

Drilon said Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV have filed bills that would decriminalize possession of not more than three bullets.

Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo said it is not right that a person caught illegally carrying just one bullet would face imprisonment of six years to 12 years.

“This is the problem when there is a knee-jerk reaction to a particular situation. We should consider proposals to amend the law,” he said.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said he and his colleagues erred in imposing a heavy punishment “for so simple and a victim-less crime.”

“We have to correct our error by imposing a very light penalty or removing possession of one, two or three bullets from the coverage of the law. In the meantime, our law enforcers have no choice but to enforce the law,” he said.

At the same time, Albano criticized Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for apparently downplaying the laglag bala incidents.

“Whether there were 1,500 people caught carrying bullets or there were only five or 10, the fact is these things happen at the airport, where they should not be happening. Secretary Abaya should put an end to it, and he should not blame the media for reporting these incidents,” he said.

Albano was apparently referring to Abaya’s statement that of the 34.2 million travelers who passed through the airport last year, only “0.004 percent” or 1,510 people were caught possessing bullets.

Abaya said the small number of cases have been “blown out of proportion.”

There are at least two measures in the House that seek to change the three-year-old law on firearms and ammunition.

In filing Bill 6245, Robredo said, “Let’s stop this tanim bala (planting bullet) scam and ensure the safety and wellbeing of travelers. This scam has affected a number of our countrymen and foreigners.”

Another measure is a resolution filed by Bayan Muna party-list that seeks to suspend the enforcement of the law insofar as possession of not more than three bullets is concerned.

Drilon said they would favor a permanent solution rather than a temporary suspension.