Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES »
Quezon City 2 RECEIVED
ji * pave L6SEP.2013
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 2873

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

CHILD SAFETY FIREARMS ACT
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Presidential Decree No. 1866, which was enacted in 1983, succeeded in
codifying Philippine laws on firearms, ammunition, or explosives. It was enhanced and
strengthened by the passage of Republic Act No. 9516 in 2007. Despite this, the
amended law still lacks a provision which makes unlawful for any person to manufacture
or sell firearms which do not have as an integral part a device which prevents a child
from discharging the firearm by reason of strength, dexterity, cognitive skill, or other
ability.

This bill therefore seeks to reduce if not eliminate injuries and deaths caused by
accidental firearm shootings by children by making safety devices in firearms a
condition before they can be sold or imported.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
requested

DIOSDADO OM (GAL ARROYO GLORH x (MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Second District, Camarines Sur Seoond District, Pampanga



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 2873

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

CHILD SAFETY FIREARMS ACT

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be called the "Child Safety Firearms Act
of 2013."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared to be the policy of the
State to reduce injuries and deaths caused by accidental firearm shootings by children.

Toward this end, the state shall guarantee the production of child-proof safety
firearms or devices,

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act the term:

(1) "Person" includes any individual, corporation, company, association, firm,
partnerships or entity.

(2) "Firearm" means (a) any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily
be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (b) the frame or
receiver of any such weapon; (c) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (d)
any destructive device


SECTION 4. Unlawful Acts. — It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture,
sell, cause to sell or import a firearm that does not have as an integral part a device or
devices that:

(1) prevent a child of less than 7 years of age from discharging the firearm by
reason of the amount of strength, dexterity, cognitive skill, or other ability
required to cause a discharge

(2) prevent a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the
magazine has been removed; and

(3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver clearly indicate whether the
magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition.

SECTION 5. Penalty. — Any violation of this Act shall be punished with a fine of
not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than three
(3) months or both at the discretion of the court. If the offense is committed by a
corporation, trust, firm, partnership or association or other entity, the penalty shall be
imposed upon the guilty officer or officers of such corporation, trust, firm, partnership or
association or entity.

SECTION 6. Separability clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule of regulation contrary to,
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,