Manila: Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla raised the possibility of granting amnesty to owners of loose firearms, provided the weapons are surrendered and found to have no links to criminal activity. During the DILG's budget presentation before the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday, Remulla said the proposal could help address the large number of unregistered firearms circulating in communities while allowing authorities to determine whether surrendered weapons had been used in crimes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla highlighted the significant issue of loose firearms, stating, "If there are two million firearms on the loose right now and 98 percent of the crimes are committed through these, then we will grant an amnesty and determine whether these firearms were used in the commission of crimes."

At the same time, Remulla renewed his call for Congress to revisit Republic Act 8294, a 1997 law that reduced penalties for illegal possession of firearms and made the offense bailable. Remulla stated, "We estimate that in the 42,000 barangays, if we arrest two per barangay, that's 84,000, but if given that chance (repealing the Robin Padilla law), we will arrest 150,000 more criminals and take them off the streets."

Remulla also informed the Senate panel that loose firearms enter communities through various channels, including locally manufactured weapons and illegal importation through porous areas along the country's coastlines. The DILG chief has been advocating for stronger measures against loose firearms following recent shooting incidents involving young Filipinos, including making illegal possession a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Meanwhile, Remulla announced that the proposed PHP58.53 billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for 2027 will strengthen national government support for local government units (LGUs) and help align local development projects with national priorities. He stated that the enhanced LGSF gives LGUs greater access to resources needed to address development gaps and respond to the priorities of their communities.

Remulla emphasized, "Enhancing the LGSF has helped a great deal with the equalization of opportunities for the local government units. There is now a greater connection between the local government units and the national government." The proposed 2027 budget sets aside PHP58.53 billion for the LGSF, up from PHP57.87 billion in 2026 and more than double the PHP22.9 billion allocation in 2025.

Remulla noted that under the current system, LGSF allocations are released directly to LGUs, unlike in the past when funds were coursed through members of Congress. He said the approach has strengthened the link between national and local governments by allowing LGUs to directly access support for projects responsive to local needs and consistent with broader national development goals.