FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.No. 1231 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Out of the thirteen thousand seven hundred fifty-four (13,754) firearms used in 
criminal activities from 1993 to June 2004, eleven thousand eight hundred eleven (11,811) 
or eighty-five point eighty-seven percent (85.87%) thereof are unlicensed. This illustrates 
the audacity of criminal elements in using unlicensed firearms to commit crimes, relying on 
the fact that unlicensed firearms cannot be traced back to them. At the same time, the 
restriction on the ownership of firearms makes it difficult for responsible persons to be 
equipped with firearms for their lawful protection, while the availability of loose firearms, 
which was pegged by the Small Arms Survey of 2002 at close to 4.2 million, makes it very 
easy for criminals to avail of firearms for their criminal purposes. 
Owning a gun is a privilege subject to regulation by the State. This bill incorporates 
the relevant provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended by Republic Act No. 
8294, entitled Codifying the Laws on Illegal Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, 
Acquisition or Disposition, of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives or Instruments Used in 
the Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives, and Imposing Stiffer Penalties for 
Certain Violations Thereof, and for Relevant Purposes. 
Aside from regulating the 
responsible ownership of firearms, this bill proposes to generate additional revenue for the 
government in terms of taxes and fees on firearms. The regulation of firearms and its 
treatment as a revenue source for the government undertaken by an independent and 
competent enforcement agency like the Firearms Regulatory Board created under this act 
should prove to be highly successful. 
In sum, this bill seeks to institute a rational system to regulate, register and monitor 
the possession, licensing, manufacture and sale of firearms, to impose penalties for 
violations thereof and to generate government revenue in taxes and fees as well. For the 
foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. $5 
RICHARD J. GORDON 
J 
4 Senator 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
S. No. 
SEN@31 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
AN ACT REGULATING THE POSSESSION, LICENSING, MANUFACTURE AND SALE 
OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION THROUGH THE CREATION OF A FIREARMS 
REGULATORY BOARD, IMPOSING TAXES AND FEES THEREON, AND PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Firearms Act of 2007." 
Sec 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to 
recognize the right of a person to protect oneself, one's family and one's property in 
accordance with law. The State regards the possession of firearms as a privilege subject to 
regulation by the State. 
Sec 3. Definition of terms. - For purposes of this Act, 
(1) "Firearms" refers to handguns, revolvers, pistols, rifles, muskets, carbines, 
shotguns, cannons, home-made guns or other deadly weapons from which ammunition may 
be discharged; 
(2) "Low Powered Firearms" refers to rimfire handguns, .38 or .32 and other firearms 
of similar firepower; 
(3) "High Powered Firearms" refers to those with bores bigger in diameter than .38 
caliber and 9 millimeter such as caliber .40, .41, .44, 
.45 and also lesser calibered firearms 
but considered powerful such as caliber .357 and caliber .22 center-fire magnum and other 
firearms with firing capability of full automatic and by burst of two or three ammunition; 
gunpowder or explosives designed for use in firearms; 
(4) "Ammunition" refers to cartridge cases, primers, bullets, loaded shells, missiles, 
(5) "Board" refers to the Firearms Regulatory Board; 
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(6) “National Firearms Database” refers to a database of information of all firearms in 
the Philippines according to make, caliber, serial number and area of registration to match 
the firearms with ammunition fired therefrom using the Integrated Ballistic Identification 
System; 
(7) “Integrated Ballistic Identification System” refers to a computerized matching 
program of firearms and ammunition; 
(8) “License to Possess” refers to the authority granted by the Board to possess 
(9) “Special License to Possess” refers to the authority granted by the Board to 
possess firearms for the purpose of participating in firearm-related sports, exhibits and other 
similar activities: 
(IO) 
“Permit to Transport“ refers to the authority granted by the Board to allow a 
person with a License to Possess to transport unloaded firearms from one specific point to 
another under terms and conditions prescribed by the Board; 
firearms; 
(11) “Permit to Carry” refers to the authority granted by the Board to allow a 
person with a License to Possess to carry loaded firearms on his person outside of his 
residence under terms and conditions prescribed by the Board; 
(12) 
“Security or Investigation Agency” refers to a service provider of watchmen, 
(13) 
“Collector“ refers to any person who owns, acquires, holds or possesses 
security guards, or private detectives; 
firearms as curios, relics or souvenirs; 
(14) 
“Manufacturer” refers to any person engaged in the manufacture of firearms 
or ammunition; 
(15) 
“Dealer” refers to any person engaged in the business of selling firearms or 
ammunition at wholesale or retail, or any person engaged in the business of repairing 
firearms, making or fitting special barrels, stocks or trigger mechanisms, or loading of 
ammunition; 
(16) 
“Importer” refers to any person engaged in the business of importing or 
bringing firearms or ammunition in the Philippines for sale or distribution; 
(17) 
“Unlicensed Firearms” refers to firearms with no licenses or permits, with 
expired licenses or permits, or the unauthorized use of licensed firearms in the commission 
of crimes; 


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(18) 
"Gun Smuggling" refers to the importation into the country, through the 
airports, seaports or coastlines, of firearms of any make or caliber, or ammunition of any 
quantity without lawful authority, including the evasion of customs, taxes and duties thereon; 
and 
(19) 
"Gun Running" refers to the transport within the country of firearms of more 
than five (5) pieces or ammunition of more than one hundred (100) rounds without lawful 
authority. 
ARTICLE I1 
FIREARMS REGULATORY BOARD 
Sec. 4. Firearms Regulatory Board. - A Firearms Regulatory Board is hereby 
created to be composed of the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local 
Government as Chairperson, and six (6) Members made up of the Undersecretary of the 
Revenue Operations Group of the Department of Finance, the Director General of the 
Philippine National Police, the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation, one (1) 
representative from the government arsenal, one (1) representative from security or 
investigation agencies, collectors, manufacturers, dealers and importers, and one (I) 
representative from firearm owners, whom the President shall appoint to serve for a term of 
six (6) years or at the pleasure of the appointing authority. 
The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall each receive a per diem of not 
more than one thousand pesos (PhP1,OOO) for every board meeting, provided that the per 
diem collected by the Chairperson or any Member of the Board does not exceed five 
thousand pesos (PhP5,OOO) per month. 
Sec. 5. Powers and Functions. - The Board shall be vested with the following 
(1) To implement the provisions of this Act; 
(2) To designate the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Division or 
any duly authorized representative within the Philippines of the Board as its licensing and 
enforcement arm; 
powers and functions: 
(3) To supervise the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Division or 
any duly authorized representative within the Philippines of the Board in the issuance of all 
licenses and permits under this Act, subject to ratification by the Board; 
(4) To issue firearm licenses and permits under this Act; 
(5) To establish and maintain the National Firearms Database; 


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(6) To accredit ballistic testing centers; 
(7) To recall any firearm for ballistic checking and comparison; 
(8) To expropriate firearms and ammunition when national security or public 
necessity so demands it; 
(9) To confiscate and forfeit firearms or ammunition in accordance with this Act; 
(IO) 
To call upon the Bureau of Internal Revenue to collect all taxes and fees 
(1 1) 
To review and increase fees for licenses and permits under this Act; and 
(10) To promulgate rules and regulations and perform such other powers and 
under this Act; 
functions as may be necessary, appropriate or incidental to this Act. 
Sec. 6. Ballistic Testing Centers. - Ballistic Testing Centers shall be established 
so that each firearm shall be test-fired for ballistics, and the make, caliber and serial number 
shall be recorded. Ballistic Testing Centers are required to be accredited by the Board. 
Ballistic Testing Centers in cities and municipalities nationwide may be established through 
local government and private initiative. 
ARTICLE 111 
LICENSES AND PERMITS 
Sec. 7. Minimum Qualifications. - Licenses and permits under this Act may be 
granted to a resident of the Philippines, who shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, 
shall submit drug test and neuro-psychiatric clearances from the Philippine National Police, 
any government hospital, or government-accredited psychiatrists, as well as police and 
National Bureau of Investigation clearances, and shall complete a gun safety and 
responsible gun ownership course prescribed by the Board. 
Sec. 8. Disqualifications. - Licenses and permits under this Act shall not be 
granted to a person who has been found positive of using illegal drugs, suffering from a 
mental disorder or previously committed to a mental institution, convicted of a crime, or 
prohibited by order of the court. 
Sec. 9. License to Possess. - A  person with the minimum qualifications in Sec. 7 of 
this Act and none of the disqualifications in Sec. 8 of this Act may be granted a License to 
Possess. 
Sec. I O .  Special License to Possess. - A person with the minimum qualifications 
in Sec. 7 of this Act and none of the disqualifications in Sec. 8 of this Act may be granted a 


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Special License to Possess for the purpose of participating in firearm-related sports, exhibits 
and other similar activities as determined by the Board. 
Sec. 11. Number of Firearms fhaf may be Owned. - A person may own an 
unlimited number of firearms; Provided, That the firearms have been licensed and 
registered; Provided further, That the owner has the proper armory to adequately and safely 
store the firearms. 
Sec. 12. Limitation on Ownership of Firearms. - No person may be allowed to 
Sec. 13. Permit fo Transporf. - Any person with a License to Possess or Special 
License to Possess who wishes to transport firearms from one specific point to another shall 
apply for a Permit to Transport, indicating the purpose of transport, the points of transport, 
the duration of transport and other relevant information as required by the Board. All 
firearms shall be unloaded while in transport. 
own firearms of the same type as military-issued firearms. 
Sec. 14. Permit to Carry. - A Permit to Carry may be issued to a person with a 
License to Possess upon application under oath to carry loaded firearms on his person 
outside of his residence for valid and authorized reasons as determined by the Board. 
Sec. 15. License for Security or Investigation Agencies, Collectors, 
Manufacturers, Dealers and Importers. - No person, whether natural or juridical, shall 
issue, collect, manufacture, deal in and import firearms and ammunition unless a license 
from the Board has been obtained. All firearm-related activities, businesses or transactions 
shall be subject to regulation by the Board. 
Sec. 16. Fees, -Applications for licenses and permits under this Act shall be subject 
to the following corresponding fees: 
(1) License to Possess, one thousand to five thousand pesos (PhP1,OOO - 5,000) 
annually; 
(2) Special License to Possess, one thousand to five thousand pesos (PhP1,OOO - 
5,000) annually; 
(3) Permit to Transport, five hundred to five thousand pesos (PhP500 - 5,000); 
(4) Permit to Carry, five thousand to ten thousand pesos (PhP5,OOO - 10,000) 
annually; and 
(5) License for Security or Investigation Agencies, Collectors, Manufacturers, 
Dealers and Importers, ten thousand to twenty thousand pesos (PhP10,OOO - 20,000) 
annually. 


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Sec. 17. Bond Required. - The issuance of licenses and permits under this Act 
Sec. 18. Revocation. - The Board may revoke licenses or permits for violation of 
shall be conditioned upon the filing of a bond to be fixed by the Board. 
any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Board. 
Sec. 19. Recording of Transactions. - All security or investigation agencies, 
collectors, manufacturers, dealers and importers under this Act shall maintain complete and 
accurate records and accounts of their collection, production, stock, inventory, importation, 
sale or other transaction of firearms and ammunition. 
Sec. 20. Reportorial Requirements. - All security or investigation agencies, 
collectors, manufacturers, dealers and importers under this Act shall make their records 
available for inspection at any time by the Board and shall submit periodic reports as may 
be required by the Board. 
Sec. 21. Official Inspection. - The Board, the Philippine National Police Firearms 
and Explosives Division, or any duly authorized representative of the Board may enter the 
premises of security or investigation agencies, collectors, manufacturers, dealers and 
importers for the purpose of inspecting the firearms and ammunition kept or stored at such 
premises or examining their records of transactions at any time during business hours. 
Sec. 22. Keeping and Posting of Licenses and Permits. - Licenses and permits 
issued under this Act shall always be kept with the firearms and made available for 
inspection at any time. 
Licenses for security or investigation agencies, collectors, 
manufacturers, dealers and importers shall be posted at a conspicuous place in the 
premises of security or investigation agencies, collectors, manufacturers, dealers and 
importers where the firearms and ammunition are kept or stored. 
Sec. 23. Serial Numbers. - All firearms shall be identified by means of serial 
numbers in the firearms as prescribed by the Board. 
ARTICLE IV 
TAXES 
Sec. 24. Excise Tax. -There shall be levied, assessed and collected ad valorem tax 
equivalent to twenty percent (20%) based on the price or value of importation used by the 
Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duties, net of other taxes including 
value-added tax, of firearms and ammunition. 


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Sec. 25. Local Taxation. - Local government units may levy taxes, fees and 
charges on firearms and ammunition consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy and 
subject to Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, or the Local Government Code of 1991. 
ARTICLE V 
PENAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 26. Unlawful Manufacture, Sale, Acquisition, Disposition or Possession of 
Firearms or Ammunition or Instruments Used or Intended to be Used in the 
Manufacture of Firearms or Ammunition. - The penalty of prision correccional in its 
maximum period under the Revised Penal Code or a fine of not less than fifteen thousand 
pesos (PhP15,000), or both shall be imposed upon any person who shall unlawfully 
manufacture, deal in, acquire, dispose, or possess any low powered firearm, part of firearm, 
ammunition, or machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used in the 
manufacture of any firearm or ammunition. 
The penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period under the Revised Penal Code 
or a fine of thirty thousand pesos (PhP30,000), or both shall be imposed if the firearm is 
classified as a high powered firearm. 
If homicide or murder is committed with the use of an unlicensed firearm, such use of 
an unlicensed firearm shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance. 
If the violation of this Section is in furtherance of or incident to, or in connection with 
the crime of rebellion or insurrection, sedition, or attempted coup d'efat, such violation shall 
be absorbed as an element of the crime of rebellion, or insurrection, sedition, or attempted 
coup d'efat. 
The same penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, president, manager, director or 
other responsible officer of any public or private firm, company, corporation or entity, who 
shall willfully or knowingly allow any of the firearms owned by such firm, company, 
corporation or entity to be used by any person or persons found guilty of violating the 
provisions of the preceding paragraphs or willfully or knowingly allow any of them to use 
unlicensed firearms or firearms without any legal authority to be carried outside of their 
residence in the course of their employment. 
The penalty of arrest0 mayor under the Revised Penal Code shall be imposed upon 
any person who shall carry any licensed firearm outside of his residence without legal 
authority therefor. 


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Sec. 27. Presumption of Unlawful Manufacture of Firearms or Ammunition. - 
The possession of any machinery, tool or instrument used directly in the manufacture of 
firearms or ammunition, by any person whose business or employment does not lawfully 
deal with the manufacture of firearms or ammunition, shall be prima facie evidence that 
such article is intended to be used in the unlawful manufacture of firearms or ammunition. 
Sec. 28. Tampering of Firearm's Serial Number. - The penalty of prision 
correccional under the Revised Penal Code shall be imposed upon any person who shall 
unlawfully tamper, change, deface or erase the serial number of any firearm. 
Sec. 29. Unauthorized Issuance of Licenses and Permits. - The penalty of 
prision correccional under the Revised Penal Code shall be imposed upon any person, 
civilian or military, who shall issue licenses and permits under this Act without authority 
therefor. 
The penalty of prision correccional under the Revised Penal Code shall be imposed 
upon any authorized officer of the Board who shall knowingly or negligently issue any 
firearm-related permit of license to a disqualified applicant. In addition, such authorized 
officer of the Board who is a public official or employee shall suffer perpetual disqualification 
from holding public office. 
Sec. 30. Gun Smuggling or Gun Running. - The penalty of reclusion temporal 
under the Revised Penal Code or a fine of fifty thousand to one hundred thousand pesos 
(PhP50,OOO - 100,000), or both, shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of gun 
smuggling or gun running. 
Sec. 31. Confiscation and Forfeiture, - Any firearm or ammunition used in the 
commission of a crime, or in violation of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated by the 
Board shall be confiscated and forfeited by the Board. 
Sec. 32. Lost Firearms and Ammunition. - Holders of licenses and permits under 
this Act are required to report lost firearms or ammunition within forty-eight (48) hours from 
loss or discovery of loss thereof. Holders of licenses and permits who willfully fail to report 
lost firearms and ammunition shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional under the 
Revised Penal Code. 
Sec. 33. Child Access Prevention. - Firearms must be stored unloaded and locked 
and ammunition must be stored separately and locked in a secure place, both of which must 
be reasonably inaccessible to children. If a child obtains an improperly stored and loaded 
gun, the owner shall be criminally liable, The penalty of prision correccional under the 


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Revised Penal Code shall be imposed upon any person who stores or leaves a loaded 
firearm within reach or easy access of a minor who then gains access to the firearm. 
Sec. 34. Other Penalties. - Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the penalty of 
prision correccional under the Revised Penal Code or a fine of ten thousand to twenty 
thousand pesos (PhP10,OOO - 20,000), or both, shall be imposed upon any person who 
violates any provision of this Act. 
Sec. 35. When Committed By a Corporation, Agency, Association or Any Other 
Entity. - If a corporation, agency, association or any other entity violates any penal 
provision of this Act, the penalty shall be imposed upon the guilty officer or officers of such 
corporation, agency, association or any other entity. 
ARTICLE VI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 36. Police and Military Use. - This Act shall not apply to firearms issued for 
official use of the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 
exercise of their lawful functions. 
Sec. 37. Transitory Provision. -Any person in possession of firearms regulated by 
this Act shall surrender loose firearms and comply with the provisions of this Act within a 
period of one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. The Board may provide for a system of 
incentives for the surrender of loose firearms, especially high powered firearms, which may 
include the swapping of high powered firearms for low powered firearms. 
be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
Sec. 39. Repealing Clause. - The relevant portions of Presidential Decree No. 
1866, as amended by Republic Act No. 8294, and all laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 38. Appropriation. - For the initial operation of the Board, such sum as may 
Sec. 40. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect. 
Sec. 41. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the 
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation in the Philippines. 
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Approved,