SC orders gov’t to answer petitions vs firearms law

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the government to answer petitions questioning the new law imposing stricter requirements for obtaining firearm licenses in the country.

The high court said justices decided in summer session in Baguio City yesterday to require comments from Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Interior Secretary Manul Roxas II and top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Director General Alan Purisima on the petitions filed by Gun Owners in Action (GO Act) and Peaceful Respondent Owners of Guns Inc. (PRO Gun) last week.

“Without necessarily giving due course to the Petition, the Court required respondents to comment on the petition within 10 days from notice,” the SC’s public information office said in a press statement.

In separate petitions filed March 25, GO Act and PRO Gun asked the high court to void certain provisions in Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013 for alleged violation of various constitutional rights. – With Paolo Romero