Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to imposing stiffer penalties for illegal possession of firearms, following fatal shooting incidents within school premises involving minors, Malaca±ang said on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro described Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla's proposal to impose a 20-year jail term and remove bail for illegal possession of loose firearms as a 'good' suggestion. Castro stated that the proposal is aimed at making the country and its citizens safer.

Castro emphasized that President Marcos would not oppose measures intended to protect the public. However, she noted that the President would need to review the proposed legislation and its specific provisions before taking a position on the matter. She highlighted that the President is open to any good law that could impose stiffer penalties, but they must wait for the versions of the bills for him to make his stance.

Castro also pointed out that deadly shooting incidents could have been prevented if gun owners had been responsible in handling their firearms, although she acknowledged that illegal possession of loose firearms is a separate issue. She reiterated that the President would make a final decision once Congress passes a bill seeking tougher penalties for possession of loose firearms.

Remulla on Tuesday urged Congress to amend Republic Act 11766, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to make possession of loose firearms a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison.