Politics · Philippines Bureau
Tulfo pushes for criminal penalties against negligent gun owners
Senator Erwin Tulfo has called for new legislation to criminally penalize firearm owners whose negligence allows minors to access weapons. The lawmaker raised the concern during a Senate privilege speech, citing recent incidents involving children and unsecured guns.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo urged the Senate on Wednesday to enact legislation imposing criminal liability on gun owners who negligently allow minors to gain access to firearms. Speaking during the Senate plenary session, Tulfo highlighted what he characterized as a pattern of troubling incidents involving children and weapons.
The senator argued that recent cases demonstrate the need to reassess whether current safeguards are adequate to prevent minors from obtaining firearms. Tulfo's proposal seeks to strengthen accountability measures for registered gun owners, particularly regarding proper storage and handling of weapons in homes and other settings.
Under the proposed measure, negligent firearm owners would face criminal sanctions if their lack of care results in minors gaining access to guns. Tulfo emphasized that such legislation is necessary to protect children and reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities involving unsecured weapons.
The Senate has yet to formally receive the proposed bill. The measure would represent a significant expansion of criminal liability standards for gun owners beyond current regulations governing firearm registration and licensing in the Philippines.