Manila, Philippines (PNA) — Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants a tighter gun control and stiffer penalties for unlawful possession, acquisition and disposition of firearms particularly by public officials whether in civilian or in military, police or law enforcement service.

In Senate Bill No. 13, or to be known as the Gun Control Act of 2010, Trillanes asked Congress to pass his proposal to deter crimes related to loose firearms more effectively and ensure a more peaceful and orderly country.

The long-detained senator also said he wanted “maximum penalty for violations committed by public officials… considering that they are supposedly mandated by their office to preserve peace and order in the society.”

Quoting an annual report of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes, Trillanes said the Philippines ranked 10th in terms of the number of gun homicide worldwide.

Figures from the Philippine National Police showed that there were an estimated 1,110,372 loose firearms in the country in 2008, he said, and majority of the crimes committed during the period involved loose firearms.

“It is in this light that this bill seeks to regulate unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in and acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition and instruments used in the manufacture of firearms and ammunition,” he said.

Under Trillanes’ proposed gun control legislation, violators will be sent to jail; life sentence for unlawful manufacture, sale or disposition of firearms and ammunition to any threat group or criminal syndicate, and a penalty of P500,000; life sentence for unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession of machinery, tools or instruments used or intended to be used in the manufacture of firearms or ammunition; and, life sentence for gun smuggling or gun running.

On top of the criminal liabilities, Trillanes wanted public officials, whether appointed or elected, banned from public office for life and military and police officers discharged from the service.

Trillanes also sought the forfeiture of all retirement privileges and benefits of public officials in civilian or military service found in violation of the law.