Do you agree that FED should be replaced by a civilian Firearms Committee or agency under the DILG which will handle all matters  and issue all rules on firearms? A number of firearms bills in the Senate propose this, and it is also a proposal for the new Comprehensive Firearms Code bill that we will be preparing.

Some reasons are:

1. DECENTRALIZATION. Currently, all power is centralized in the Chief PNP. Unfortunately, the mood changes every administration. It becomes strict or lenient depending upon who’s sitting. We are at the mercy of one man. A firearms Agency can change all that and add stability to firearms polices.

2. CIVILIAN AUTHORITY IS SUPREME OVER THE MILITARY AND POLICE AT ALL TIMES. This is provided for in the Constitution. The authority of the Chief PNP to regulate firearms stems from a Marcos dictatorship directive during martial law. We have long become a democracy so it is time that civilian authority take over this function.

3. DEMOCRATIZATION OF THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS. Several heads are better than one. The collegial democratic decision making process of a committee or agency will certainly ensure BETTER DECISION MAKING PROCESSES and consultation with the public before implementing decisions and rules on firearms.

4. THE VAST MAJORITY OF FIREARMS ARE CIVILIAN OWNED. Consequently, we civilians should govern ourselves. Likewise, we ought to have a voice in the rule making process.