[3][needs update] Under the American colonial government, citizens were permitted to possess firearms limited for use as personal protection, for use in hunting, or other lawful purposes only.
[5] During the Estrada administration, an executive order was passed that allowed citizens to possess firearms of any type or caliber, with certain exceptions.
[6] During the 2010 election season, on January 10, a ban was implemented which completely prohibited citizens from carrying firearms in public, with no exceptions.
Off-duty police officers carrying their guns in public were arrested for failure to comply with the law.
This gun ban was a measure to prevent political killings, as the Philippines often deals with armed conflict during elections such as the Maguindanao massacre.
On May 29, 2014, President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act 10591,[8] requiring gunsmiths to have licenses to repair registered firearms.
[9][10] On March 5, 2024, the Philippine National Police announced that it would allow civilians to possess semi-automatic rifles following an amendment to the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10591.
[12] The Philippines joined countries like the United States and Yemen in which civilians are allowed to own high-powered rifles.
These include lawyers or members of the Philippine Bar, certified public accountants, accredited media practitioners, cashiers, bank tellers, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams, physicians, nurses, and engineers.
Only Class A light weapons (firearms not chambered in a caliber exceeding 7.62mm or capable of fully automatic fire) are allowed to be registered by licensed citizens or juridical entities for ownership, possession, and concealed carrying.