Solon seeks harsher penalties for illegal possession of deadly weapons and

bladed objects in public

A lawmaker is seeking harsher penalties for the crime of unlawful possession of
offensive or deadly weapons and articles to deter crime and promote public order and
safety.
Rep. Xavier Jesus XJ Romualdo (one !istrict" #amiguin$ said there is a need to
update the law on the possession of offensive or deadly weapons and articles to enable the
%tate to better fulfill its obligation to protect and keep the people safe" and prevent crime.
&t is believed that the proposal if enacted into law will significantly contribute to
crime prevention and reduction" and develop safer and more peaceful communities. 'atas
(ambansa 'lg. )" which bans the carrying outside of one*s residence any bladed" pointed
or blunt weapon e+cept where such articles are being used as necessary tools or
implements to earn a livelihood or in pursuit of a lawful activity" was enacted over ,)
years ago and now needs to be updated" said Romualdo.
Romualdo" a vice chairman of the -ouse #ommittee on %uffrage and .lectoral
Reforms" e+plained that a weapon or dangerous article carried in public" even when it is
concealed or not intended to be used" constitutes a threat to public order and safety.
/he possession of offensive weapons" or bladed or pointed articles fosters
violence" may lead to in0ury and even death" and facilitates the commission of crimes" he
said.
1urthermore" he said even if these ob0ects are possessed or carried merely for
displaying machismo or bravado" or with the belief that they may be used for self2defense"
e+perience has shown that in moments of rashness" irritation" anger" hostility" antagonism"
real or perceived insult" drunkenness" or utterly trivial occurrences" such as the giving of a
look" these ob0ects are brought out and wielded" and violence and the commission of
serious offenses would follow.
(resently" (aragraph , of (residential !ecree 3o. 4" as amended by 'atas
(ambansa 'lg. ) provides &t is unlawful to carry outside of one*s residence any bladed"
pointed or blunt weapon such as knife" spear" pana" dagger" bolo, barong, kris or chako"
e+cept where such articles are being used as necessary tools or implements to earn a
livelihood or in pursuit of a lawful activity. Any person found guilty thereof shall suffer
the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than one year" or a fine
of not less than (566 nor more than (5"666" or both such imprisonment and fine as the
#ourt may direct.
NR # 3620
OCT. 15, 2014
-ouse 'ill 7849 or the proposed #rime (revention Act" filed by Romualdo and
now pending at the #ommittee on (ublic :rder and %afety chaired by Rep. Jeffrey 1errer
(7
th
!istrict" 3egros :ccidental$" seeks the repeal of (aragraph , of (.!. 3o.," as amended
by '.(. 'lg. ).
/he bill provides that any person who" without legitimate purpose or lawful
authority" is shall possess an offensive weapon in any public place shall be imprisoned
from three months to one year and pay a fine of (;6"666 to (56"666. 1or illegal
possession of bladed or pointed articles in any public place" the penalty shall be one month
to si+ months imprisonment" and a fine of (,"666 to (;6"666.
/he bill further provides that any person illegally in possession of an offensive
weapon within the premises of a school" healthcare facility" government office or facility"
port" airport" bus station or stop" railway station" on board public transportation" or at a
public demonstration shall be imprisoned from one year to two years and pay a fine of
(56"666 to (,6"666. 1or illegal possession of bladed or pointed articles in these places" the
penalty shall be si+ months to one year imprisonment" and a fine of (;6"666 to (56"666.
/he measure provides that these penalties shall be imposed in their ma+imum
period and amounts where the unlawfully possessed bladed or pointed article was used by
the offender in the commission of another offense or felony.
/he bill provides that a minor above ;< years but below ;8 years of age who shall
unlawfully possess an offensive weapon or bladed or pointed article shall be presumed to
have acted with discernment. (,6$ rbb