August 4, 2000, The Philippine Star, Ping urged: No favoritism in issuance of gun permits, by Jess Diaz and Mike Frialde,

No favoritism, please.

This was the message Speaker Manuel Villar Jr. conveyed to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Panfilo Lacson after learning that only 11 congressmen have been given permits to carry firearms outside their residence.

Villar said Lacson, the only police official who can sign the permits, should fully explain his criteria in allowing only a few officials and private citizens to carry guns.

"Otherwise, he will be opening himself to charges of favoritism," Villar said.

While defending Lac-son's strict gun control policy, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. also cautioned Lacson against playing favorites.

He said Lacson should stick to existing procedures and resist pressure from people using their connections in applying for the permits.

Villar said the PNP chief should explain to other congressmen who have applied for gun permits why they have been denied them.

He revealed that some of these lawmakers have complained to him but have not sought his intercession.

He recounted that he told them it would not look good for politicians to be packing guns.

"But I realize that many of them are facing threats, and they should be allowed to carry guns," he said.

Villar said he is not one of the 190 privileged public officials and private citizens given the rare and much-coveted Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (PTCFOR) because he did not apply for one.

As Speaker, Villar is the country's fourth ranking official. As such, the law entitles him to some police security detail.

The elite Club 190 also does not include Rep. Roilo Golez (LAMP, Parañaque), chairman of the House committee on public order and security. It was Golez who sought the list.

Besides the 11 congressmen, among those given permits to carry guns are Senators Robert Barbers and Miriam Defensor Santiago, three Supreme Court justices, presidential son Jude Estrada, businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., and some officials close to Malacañang.

Golez announced yesterday that his committee will inquire on Tuesday into Lacson's criteria in issuing the coveted permits.

"I find it hard to believe that only 190 Filipinos are entitled to such privilege by virtue of threats or the nature of their profession or job. The list is very elitist and pro-rich and gives preference to those who have access to the PNP leadership," he said.

To prove that Lacson's gun permit issuance policy favors the rich, Golez said the PNP chief issues the special permit to kidnapping or robbery victims who have lost at least P1 million to their kidnappers or robbers.

"How many Filipinos have P1 million worth of cash and valuables that can be robbed from them? Just a few hundred perhaps, just the elite," he said.

"What about the majority of Filipinos who daily or every night could become victims of robberies, losing all their lifetime savings worth only a few hundred thousand pesos? What about small town mayors whose lives are at risk when they do their job?" he asked.

Likewise accusing Lacson of favoritism, the country's largest organization of gun owners said "the regulation should apply to all."

"It appears that the government does not trust its own citizens," Mike Melchor, director of the Peaceful and Responsible Owners of Guns (PROGUN), told The STAR. "All Filipino citizens should have equal rights to personal protection, not only those with connections. Criminals do not choose their targets."

Instead of cracking down on licensed gun owners, Melchor said, the government should instead go after unlicensed firearms, which PROGUN estimates at 400,000.

"Let us not be too emotional about gun control," Melchor said. "Besides, gun owners do not always bring their guns outside their homes."

Lacson could not be reached for comment on Melchor's statement.

Soon after assuming the PNP's top post, Lacson became the PNP's one-man screening committee, deciding on who should be given the gun permits.

In the past, the screening of applicants and issuance of PTCFORs was conducted by the PNP's Firearms and Explosives Division (FED).

A PROGUN member, who requested anonymity, said if that were the case, then the PNP should dissolve the division and "let Lacson decide on everything."

PNP spokesman Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome defended the permits issued to the "Club 190."

"They took time to secure the needed requirements. We felt that they were the ones who were qualified and were in real need of the permits," Bartolome said.

Applicants for PTCFORs must first undergo a neuro-psychiatric test, a drug test and a seminar on gun safety. They are also made to submit a clearance from the PNP Intelligence Group and pay a permit fee of P2,045. The permit fee will be increased to P4,000 next month, the PNP's FED said.- With reports from Perseus Echeminada