Solons push tougher laws vs irresponsible use of firearms

Administration congressmen are batting for the inclusion in the list of legislative priorities bills proposing more stringent penalties for the indiscriminate use and firing of firearms.

Magdalo Party-list Reps. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo and Gary C. Alejano have filed a House Bill entitled ‘An Act imposing more stringent penalties for the crime of alarm and scandal, amending for this purpose Article 155 of Republic Act No. 3815 otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and for other related purposes.”

“Heavier penalties, as proposed, would help deter or at least minimize the incidence of indiscriminate discharge of firearms in the future, and hopefully, help bring down the number of injuries and loss of lives resulting therefrom,” the two Magdalo solons said.

Reps. Teddy Baguilat (LP, Ifugao) a n d K a r l o A l e x e i N o g r a l e s ( N U P, Davao City) also filed bills carrying different provisions for heavier penalties against indiscriminate firing.

Baguilat said swift approval of the measure could avert the possibility of injuries and death due to indiscriminate firing of guns during New Year’s revelry.

“Despite tragic stories every start of the year, one is left speechless as to why this problem remains unsolved,” the administration solon said.

Baguilat said HB 5374 penalizes willful or indiscriminate discharge of firearms, amending for the purpose Act No. 3815, as amended, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code.