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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Second Regular Session 
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8 riFc t ti I' I :(?Y 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Indoor firing ranges are popular among law enforcement and recreational shooters 
because they offer protection from inclement weather conditions and can be operated 
around the clock under controlled environmental conditions. However, many firing range 
facilities lack environmental and occupational controls to protect the health of shooters 
and range personnel from effects of airborne lead, noise, and other potential exposures. 
Exposure to lead dust and fumes at the firing range may harm the health of 
shooters, instructors and maintenance staff. Firing ranges have been recognized as 
potential sources of lead exposure since the 1970's. Lead-containing dust is produced by 
the combustion of lead-containing primers, the friction of bullets against the gun barrel, 
and the fragmentation as bullets strike the backstop. Lead dust inhaled into the lungs is 
highly bioavailable, with an absorption rate near one hundred percent. One can breathe in 
airborne lead at the range and also carry home lead dust that settles on the body, clothes, 
shoes or hair. Lead that enters the body will be stored in the blood, organs or bones and 
can affect the brain and nervous system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, 
the kidneys and the ability to make blood. Noise is another hazard in firing ranges. Too 
much noise exposure may cause a temporary change in hearing when the ears may feel 
stuffed up or a temporary ringing in the ears also called tinnitus. These short-term 
problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise 


However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable hearing loss 
or tinnitus. 
This bill seeks to address the health and safety concerns posed by unregulated 
activities in firing ranges. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
I I 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
REGULATING INDOOR FIRING RANGES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Indoor Firing Range 
Regulatory Act of 2008.” 
SECTION 2. Definition of terms. -As used in this Act, the term- 
(A) “Firing range” is a specialized facility designed for firearms practice; 
(B) “Department” refers to the Department of Interior and Local Government; 
SECTION 3. Requirements for an indoorfiring range. - an indoor firing range must 
observe the following requirements- 
(A)Copper jacketed bullets must be used; 
(B) Wet mopping or vacuuming must be used instead of dry sweeping; 
(C) Proper design and operation of the firing range must be conducted and it must have a 
separate ventilation system; 
(D)The cleaning and maintenance work at the firing range should be completed by 
individuals trained in lead protection procedures; 
(E) There must be a written protocol for range maintenance; 
(F) Minors shall not be allowed in the vicinity of firing ranges; 
(G)Persons present in the firing range such as, but not limited to shooters, maintenance 
staff, and guests must wear ear muffs or ear plugs when present inside the 
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SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- 
The Department shall adopt the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations for this Act. 
SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
no circumstance will any penalty or fine exceed P10,OOO.OO. 
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 or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Egectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,