Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1878-A)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1878-A is to amend Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 1866 by requiring the approval of the Minister of National Defense for the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Philippine Constabulary to implement the law on illegal possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition, or disposition of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or related instruments.
Presidential Decree No. 1878-A amended Presidential Decree No. 1866, dated June 29, 1983.
Presidential Decree No. 1866 codifies the laws on illegal or unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition, or disposition of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or instruments used in the manufacture thereof, and imposes stiffer penalties for violations.
The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary is tasked with promulgating the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of Presidential Decree No. 1866.
PD No. 1878-A requires that the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Philippine Constabulary must be subject to the approval of the Minister of National Defense.
The approval of the Minister of National Defense is necessary because the rules and regulations are enforced by the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, which are under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense.
Presidential Decree No. 1878-A took effect immediately upon its issuance on July 23, 1983.
Presidential Decree No. 1878-A was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and by the Presidential Executive Assistant, Juan C. Tuvera.
The amendment ensures that there is a higher level of oversight and approval from the Minister of National Defense on the rules and regulations governing the control of firearms and explosives, enhancing accountability and coordination between enforcing agencies.
The Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police enforce the law codified by PD No. 1866.