Bill seeking stiffer penalties for discharge, indiscriminate firing gets House nod

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking stiffer penalties for discharge and indiscriminate firing of firearms.

With 246 affirmative votes, no negative votes and no abstention, lawmakers House Bill No. 6123 which amends Republic Act No. 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Under the bill, a person who shoots another person using a firearm shall be given a penalty of prision correcional in its maximum period.

The same rule also applies to those who used any “device” which was defined in the bill as “anything that may not have been designed as a firearm but can functionally adapted and used as a firearm.”

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies who violate the said law shall be given a penalty one degree higher than what is imposed against non-PNP and AFP members.

The bill also includes the indiscriminate firing of firearms among the offenses punishable under Republic Act 10591.

“Any person who shall discharge or shoot any firearm or any device without lawful authority, or in a random, aimless, purposeless, or indiscriminate manner, shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its medium period,” the bill states.

However, if the act resulted in death, the offense is punishable by reclusion temporal.

Likewise, injuries or damage to property from indiscriminate firing of firearms shall also be considered as separate offenses, the bill further notes.

Stiffer penalties—such as perpetual disqualification from holding public office and being subjected to summary dismissal proceedings—shall also be imposed if the offender is a member of PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies.

“Any firearm license or permit issued in favor of the offender shall be summarily canceled, and the offender shall be perpetually disqualified from being granted any firearm license or permit,” the bill states.