Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 712)
Executive Order No. 712 regulates the manufacture, sale, and possession of air rifles/pistols which are considered firearms under the Philippine law, aiming to prevent their misuse and proliferation which pose a threat to peace and order.
According to Section 1 of the order, the Chief, Philippine Constabulary is tasked to prescribe criteria to determine whether an air rifle/pistol is considered a firearm or a toy under Section 877 of the Revised Administrative Code.
The Chief, Philippine Constabulary is authorized to prescribe the criteria for determining firearms status of air rifles/pistols, act on applications for manufacture, sale, possession, or dealership of such items, and formulate rules and regulations subject to the approval of the Minister of National Defense.
No. Only air rifles/pistols considered as firearms under the criteria prescribed by the Chief, Philippine Constabulary are subject to the licensing requirements and regulations under the Revised Administrative Code.
The licensing requirements for manufacture, sale, possession, and dealership of firearms as prescribed in the Revised Administrative Code shall apply to air rifles/pistols deemed as firearms according to the criteria prescribed.
The regulation aims to prevent the death or permanent maiming caused by certain types of air rifles/pistols and to hinder their use as tools by criminals, thereby ensuring peace and order.
The rules and regulations prescribed by the Chief, Philippine Constabulary must be subject to the approval of the Minister of National Defense.
Any provision of previous Executive Orders inconsistent with Executive Order No. 712 is repealed or amended accordingly as per Section 5 of the Order.
It took effect immediately upon its signing on July 28, 1981.