An update on the election gun ban as this has kept Philippine airsoft players with too itchy airsoft trigger fingers while waiting for the election season to end. A lawyer who is an airsoft enthusiast in the Philippines petitioned to Supreme Court to exempt airsoft from the election gun ban. Atty. Reynante B. Orceo, has gotten a partial grant with regards to "the exclusion of replicas and imitations of airsoft guns from the term 'firearm' is concerned."

However, Philpppine airsoft players still have no cause to rejoice and bring out their airsoft guns during the election period. As the Supreme Court also says that "The petition is DISMISSED in regard to exclusion of airsoft guns from the term 'firearm' in Resolution No. 8714. Airsoft guns and airguns are covered by the gun ban during the election period."

The reason the Supreme Court did not grant an exemption from the election gun ban is clearly laid-out:

"In its Comment,[8] the COMELEC, represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, states that the COMELEC’s intent in the inclusion of airsoft guns in the term “firearm” and their resultant coverage by the election gun ban is to avoid the possible use of recreational guns in sowing fear, intimidation or terror during the election period.  An ordinary citizen may not be able to distinguish between a real gun and an airsoft gun.  It is fear subverting the will of a voter, whether brought about by the use of a real gun or a recreational gun, which is sought to be averted.   Ultimately, the objective is to ensure the holding of  free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections this year."

It's just a little bit over a month before the gun ban expires. So airsoft players can just sufffer and have some more patience. However, what they should brace for is the proposal of the Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa that he wants the gun ban extended even after the election.

Though the gun ban is well-meant, the Philippines still suffers from gun-related election violence this election year. Private armies of political warlords still remained armed while law abiding citizens suffer from the daily check points implemented by the police.