ROAD RAGE AND GUN LAWS

ROAD RAGE AND GUN LAWS There’s something about being behind the wheel that seems to unlock the worst in some people. Add a weapon into the mix, and you’ve got a dangerous cocktail of stress, entitlement, and rage. The intersection of road rage and gun laws is not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of life and death. Studies consistently show that humans are more prone to aggression when they are in possession of a firearm than when they are unarmed. It's not hard to see why. Firearms, even when holstered, instill a sense of power. At the very least, they give their carriers an added layer of confidence—perhaps even false courage. And when that confidence meets a moment of anger, the result can be tragic. But let’s be clear: it doesn’t have to be a gun. Road rage can turn lethal with something as mundane as a baseball bat, a golf club, or a hammer. These items can easily be kept in a car under the convenient excuse of being a sportsman or a handyman. “I just came from practice,” or “I have a house repair to do” are all-too-easy justifications. In fairness, most people who keep such items in their vehicles likely do so for self-defense, not with the intent to attack. But rage is rage—and anger is the fuel that sets it ablaze. Whether it's road rage or any other type of confrontation, the impulse to lash out often happens in a split second. And that’s the problem: many of the people who fire a gun in a moment of fury didn’t plan to. They just snapped. This brings us to the laws surrounding firearm ownership and carrying rights in the Philippines. Many don't realize that having a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) is not the same as having a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR). The former allows one to legally own a firearm and keep it at home. The latter allows one to bring it outside. That’s a crucial distinction. Some might argue, “But isn’t my car an extension of my home?” While that legal fiction may exist in other countries, it does not apply here. The law is explicit: unless you have a PTCFOR, transporting a firearm in your car is illegal. Exceptions are made for on-duty law enforcement officers and military personnel, but civilians must comply strictly with these rules. And this is where the real issue lies—not in the right to own firearms, which the law already allows, but in the ability to carry them beyond one’s residence. Should we be allowing civilians to carry deadly weapons on the streets at all? So, what should we do? One solution is to be stricter in the issuance of the PTCFOR. Make it harder to get. Demand more accountability. Another, more controversial solution is to prohibit the carrying of firearms outside residences altogether for civilians. It's a hard pill to swallow, but maybe it's time we think about it seriously. Now, to be very clear: I am not advocating for a gun ban. Responsible citizens who qualify should still be allowed to own firearms through the LTOPF system. What I am proposing is a congressional review of the legal basis for the PTCFOR. Let lawmakers debate this. Let them weigh public safety against personal defense. Let’s find out if the privilege of carrying firearms outside the home still serves the common good. Meanwhile, what do we do about the road rage problem itself? Should we require psychological evaluations for all drivers renewing their licenses? Should anger management programs be mandatory for those caught in road rage incidents? Should road rage be considered a moving violation that affects a driver’s insurance premiums? These aren’t just rhetorical questions—they’re policy ideas that deserve serious consideration. I suggest that the government commission a dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG) to study this issue. Let it be composed of experts from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Health (DOH), the UP National Center for Transportation Studies (NCTS), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA). Road rage is not just a traffic problem—it’s a public health and safety issue. At the end of the day, this is about keeping our streets safer—for our families, our children, and ourselves. Guns and cars don’t mix well, especially when tempers flare. Let’s stop pretending otherwise. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 05-30-2025