THE House of Representatives and Senate bicameral conference committee on Wednesday swiftly approved the reconciled version of House Bill 10610 and Senate Bill 1155.
Principally authored by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), HB 10610 would fix the validity period of the license to own and posses, registration, and permit to carry firearms outside of residence or place of business.
SB 1155, principally authored by Senator Ralph Recto, would fix the validity period of the license to own and posses, permit to carry firearms outside of residence or place of business, and registration of firearms.
The panel adopted Section 2 of the House version, which would increase the validity period of firearms licenses from two years to five or 10 years at the option of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended.
Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Chairperson Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa assured that the Philippine National Police would have the authority to draft the implementing rules and regulations to help ensure that the extension is not abused by any licensee.
The lawmakers likewise adopted the proposal forwarded by House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chairperson Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. (1st District, Masbate) to include in those exempted from submitting the Threat Assessment Certificate requirement the following: 1) elected incumbent and former officials; and 2) active and retired military and other law enforcement personnel. Others present were Deputy Speaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., Rep. Jorge Bustos (Party-list, PATROL), Rep. Estrellita Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija), Rep. Manuel Cabochan III (Party-list, MAGDALO), Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Senator Ralph Recto, and Senator Francis Tolentino.
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