AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION TWENTY-SIX HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO OF THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 4

Unlawful Manufacture, Dealing, Acquisition, Disposition, or Possession of Firearms or Ammunition
- Amends Section 2692 of the Revised Administrative Code (Section 1)
• Prohibits the manufacture, dealing, acquisition, disposition, or possession of firearms, parts, ammunition, or instruments used in their manufacture without proper authorization.
• Penalties for violation (Section 1):
•• Imprisonment of 1 year and 1 day to 5 years, and/or fine of 1,000 to 5,000 pesos.
•• If the illegal article is a rifle, carbine, grenade, bomb, artillery, or ammunition for such weapons, imprisonment of 5 to 10 years.
•• Forfeiture of the prohibited article(s) to the Philippine Government.
•• Possession of instruments directly useful in manufacturing firearms or ammunition is prima facie proof of intent to manufacture them illegally.

Surrender of Prohibited Articles (Section 2)
• Allows possession of prohibited articles to be surrendered without criminal liability within the period and to the officer designated by the President's proclamation.
• Exceptions:
•• Does not exempt liability for using or carrying the articles during the surrender period, except for self-defense or for surrendering.
•• Does not affect pending court cases for violating Section 2692 before this Act's passage.
• The President may authorize temporary licenses for up to 3 months at a time for surrendered firearms.

Effectivity (Section 3)
• This Act takes effect upon its approval on July 19, 1946.