ONE of the programs I eagerly await as a Jaycee is “The Outstanding Young Men” (TOYM). Even as a mere observer or as JCI-Philippines National President in 2002, TOYM National Project Chairperson in 2006 and a member of the TOYM Foundation Board of Directors for several years now, the inspiring achievements of the awardees never cease to amaze me.

On January 9, seven young Filipinos received the prestigious award from PNoy:

• Congresswoman Emmeline Aglipay for her work as a public servant;

• Dr. Waren Baticados for his pioneering research studies in veterinary medicine;

• Chieffy Caligdong for his excellence in football as left winger and assistant captain of the Philippine Azkals;

• Abelardo Apollo David for establishing centers in Metro-Manila, Cebu ad Davao to promote independent living among adults and children with handicap;

• Ivan Anthony Henares for his efforts to preserve our heritage and to promote tourism;

• Jiggy Manicad for his courageous endeavors as a reporter in sharing the news with his audience whether during times of peace or war; and

• Allan “Apl.D.Ap” Pineda who remains grounded and proud of his roots despite his fame as an international recording artist, as a Grammy award winner and with 65 million records sold worldwide.

During the testimonial dinner hosted by TOYM Foundation Chairman Manny Pangilinan, I had the chance to share the same table with Apl.D.Ap and Ivan Henares together with my fellow Past National President Boydee Dizon and Past TOYM National Project Chairperson Bangbang Uy-Dizon. Being the curious (and sometimes nosy) person that I am, I asked questions ala-showbiz which they gamely answered candidly.

Again, I was moved by the TOYM awardees. Their humility is humbling.

They are ordinary Filipinos who have done and continue to do extra-ordinary things. They are just like you and me, only they have gone a step or two further to be the best in their chosen field.

This makes me think of Nicole Ella or Michaella Caimol, both seven years old. Could they have led extra-ordinary lives if they lived long enough? Nicole was the victim of a stray bullet fired on New Year’s Eve and Michaella was one of the fatalities during a shooting rampage in Cavite.

The recent spate of gun-related incidents involving ordinary Filipinos was a wake-upper especially to those involved in maintaining peace and order including our legislators. A decade or so ago, there was a strong clamor for a gunless society or the implementation of a total gun ban. The debate between the pro-gun and anti-gun has resurfaced but is not expected to be as divisive as the Reproductive Health Law.

The House of Representatives passed the Comprehensive Firearms, Light Weapons and Ammunition Regulation bill (House Bill 5484) on January 24, 2012 and transmitted it to the Senate two days later. In the Senate, Senate Bill 2993 is still pending at the Committee on Public Order.

During the hearing on Senate Bill 2993 early this month, groups on both sides expressed favor for gun regulation over a total gun ban. Representatives of the Gunless Society of the Philippines, Peaceful Responsible Owners of Guns (ProGun), Firearms Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (FAMAP), National Prosecutors League of the Philippines and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) agree that a stricter law with heavier penalties is necessary to prevent crimes related to loose firearms.

Interestingly, as pointed out by Norman Cabrera of the Gunless Society, President Cory certified the Anti-Deadly Weapons bill as urgent during her incumbency. It was approved in the Senate but rejected in the House of Representatives. According to a news report quoting Cabrera, this is an opportunity for PNoy to fulfill the task left by his mother.

According to the bill, a gun owner must be “a Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old, has a police clearance and has gainful work, occupation or business or has filed an income tax return (ITR) for the preceding year as proof of income, profession, business or occupation.” While each requirement is equally important, it is the submission of an ITR that is the most commonsensical for me. Agencies tasked to maintain and uphold public safety will be able to efficiently implement the law when gun ownership is limited to taxpayers.

Further, the bill also requires applicants for the issuance of a license to own and possess firearms to submit a certification of having passed a psychiatric test and a drug test. On the other hand, the license is renewable every 2 years.

Are the psychiatric and drug tests only required in the initial application? How about upon renewal?

The gunman in the Cavite tragedy who killed 8 people and wounded 12 others is believed to be under the influence of drugs. He had an expired license.

Nicole was said to be an outstanding student. She dreamed of becoming a teacher. According to her classmates, she tutored them in Math and shared what she learned in her advanced math class. She was an ordinary girl with extra-ordinary dreams whose life was unjustly cut short. Michaella was perhaps like her, too.

If a tougher law to regulate firearms will be put in place, we will be more at peace. Children will have a chance to live their extra-ordinary dreams.