Self-Defense Bill and Responsible Gun Ownership Highlighted at 32nd Defense & Sporting Arms Show

MANILA, Philippines — At the 32nd Defense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri presented his legislative agenda concerning firearms policy to industry stakeholders. His proposals aim to balance the expansion of gun rights with increased accountability for negligent firearm owners.

Zubiri, who serves as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, introduced two key bills during the event. The first, Senate Bill No. 1555, seeks to enhance self-defense protections. This legislation would establish a legal presumption of unlawful aggression in cases of forced or illegal entry into a home, vehicle, or place of business, thereby shifting the burden of proof away from the defender.

In his remarks, Zubiri emphasized the urgency of action in dangerous situations, stating, "Sa oras ng panganib, ilang segundo lamang ang mayroon ang isang tao para kumilos." He clarified that the bill is not intended to promote violence but rather to provide protection for individuals facing unlawful attacks.

The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill No. 1897, is a revised version of amendments to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which had previously been vetoed. This bill proposes several changes, including expanded exemptions for threat assessment certificates, increased ammunition limits (250 rounds for regular license holders and 2,500 for sports shooters), a shortened election gun ban period, and simplified ownership transfers in cases of death or incapacity. Additionally, it includes a one-year amnesty for license registration or renewal and aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles in defense manufacturing under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture program.

In light of recent shooting incidents, Zubiri made a clear distinction between responsible gun owners and those who are negligent. He stated, "This was not the fault of responsible gun owners," attributing the tragedies to individuals who failed to secure their firearms as mandated by Section 9 of Republic Act 10591. Zubiri expressed his commitment to enforcing criminal liability and imposing stricter penalties for negligence, arguing that the current penalty of prision correccional is insufficient compared to the lives lost in these incidents.

"We must make those gun owners accountable. They didn't pull the trigger, but their negligence paved the way for the tragedy to happen," Zubiri asserted, highlighting the need for accountability in the firearms community.

The DSAS, organized by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) under the leadership of Alaric Topacio, is recognized as the longest-running and premier firearms exhibition in the country. The event commenced on July 22 and will conclude on July 25 at the SMX Convention Center, located in the Mall of Asia Complex. This annual gathering serves as a platform for discussions on responsible gun ownership and the promotion of safety within the firearms community.