MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said it is premature to conclude that President Aquino won't support proposals for a total gun ban or stricter gun control just because he is a gun enthusiast.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino has not stated his position on these proposals.

"Let's not pigeonhole the President. Huwag po nating pangunahan 'yung Pangulo. In the past marami pong nagsasabi na 'Ah, si PNoy ito 'yung gagawin niya kasi tingin natin ganito 'yung preference niya,'" Valte said.

"But allow me to say that the President has defied perception so many times in the past. Primarily ang lagi po nating sinasabi 'yung sa sin tax, hindi naman po sikreto 'yon (that he smokes), but he still supported the passage and the certification of the sin tax measure into law which has already happened and has already been [in] effect.'

"So huwag po nating pangunahan 'yung Pangulo. We need to discuss this with him. The proposals need to be looked at and let's give him a chance, essentially. Wala pa naman siyang sinasabi. Huwag po nating pangunahan," she added.

Calls for stricter gun laws have mounted following the death of 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella due to a stray bullet. Ella was watching a fireworks display outside their home in Caloocan on New Year's Eve when she was felled by the stray bullet.

The Palace has echoed the call of the police for witnesses and neighbors to come forward and give information on the one that fired the gunshot that killed Ella.