Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Saturday called on Congress to pass legislation that would hold gun owners or parents of students involved in shooting incidents equally liable for the actions of minors.

During a press briefing on Sept. 19, Remulla said existing laws were weak when it comes to holding parents or guardians accountable, noting that they may currently face only charges of reckless imprudence.

“Legislation has to be put na ang magulang o owner ng gun is equally as liable as the child,” Remulla said.

Remulla also said he would call for a petition before the Supreme Court to establish the legality of allowing the Philippine National Police (PNP) to inspect the homes of licensed firearm owners to ensure that their guns are properly stored.

He cited three recent shooting perpetrators whose firearms were legally owned, saying all three were government employees and that their guns were not properly secured.

“There has to be a right for the state to inspect the gun owner’s premises kung tama ang storage ng kanilang baril,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief also emphasized that firearm ownership in the Philippines is a privilege rather than a constitutional right and said it should carry corresponding responsibilities and accountability.

“Remember, owning a firearm in the Philippines is not enshrined in the Constitution. And that privilege has to come with responsibility, and that responsibility has to come with accountability,” he said.

Remulla further proposed giving the PNP authority to inspect firearm owners’ handling and storage practices without a warrant.

“Especially with the PNP, we should have the power to inspect without warrant, all gun owners and how they handle… and store their guns,” he said.

The DILG conducted the press briefing after the recent school shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato left three students dead, including the alleged 14-year-old shooter, and eight others injured.