A senator said said on Thursday, Washington's decision to stop a deal for the supply of assault rifles to the Philippine National Police it provides an opportunity to revive the country's firearms industry.
"In every crisis, there is an opportunity. With the cancellation of the PNP arms deal by US State Department, its about time that we think of reviving our local high-powered rifle manufacturing," Sen. JV Ejercito said.
Ejercito, however, asked why there was a need to look outside the country.
"Why buy outside when we can produce these firearms here and help our economy? This will even provide jobs and help our economy immensely," he said.
Filipino company United Defense Manufacturing Corporation, which sells assault rifles, said this opened an opportunity for local gun makers.
However, there are too many restrictions on local manufacturers under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform act, said the group's president, Gene Carino.
He cited taxes and a requirement that at least 50 percent of their products should be used by the Philippine military or at least two NATO countries.