Today, the Philippine Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs held a hearing for review of RA 10591, or ther Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. This controversial new law which was passed last year, has come under heavy fire from the Philippines firearms community for being excessively harsh and burdensome upon the Legitimate gun owners. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations which were passed by the Philippine National Police last January likewise created a major stir within the community for being anti-gun. As a result of these complaints by gun owners, The Senate Committee summoned the leadership of the Philippine National Police to question them and to explain why the implementation of the law was so controversial and objected to by gun owners.

Committee Chair Sen. Grace Poe, called for a dialogue and technical working Group between gun owners and the PNP for suggestions and comments from the gun community to be heard, and for amendments to the IRR. Sen. Poe also questioned the PNP as to why a copy of the IRR had no been filed and/or furnished to the Senate. Sen. Tito Sotto interpolated Progun as to the petition that was filed in the Supreme Court and the Temporary restraining order that was issued by the court against the PNP. Sen. JV Ejercito stated why licensed gun owners were being targeted and why not criminals who were wielding loose and unregistered firearms.  Continue Reading