SECURITY BREACH. National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (from left) show alleged spying equipment during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Manila on Jan. 20, 2025. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday (Jan. 22) urged for the swift passage of a measure seeking to expand the coverage of espionage and provide stiffer penalties. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has urged the swift passage of a bill amending the country’s outdated espionage laws following recent reports of alleged Chinese spies apprehended by government authorities.
Senate Bill No. 2368, filed by Estrada in July 2023, aims to update existing laws under Commonwealth Act No. 616 and the Revised Penal Code to address evolving threats posed by modern espionage methods and technologies.
The proposed measure expands the coverage of espionage and proposes stiffer penalties such as life imprisonment and heftier fines for the commission of espionage.
“As a legislator and staunch advocate of national security, I recognize the urgent need to modernize and strengthen our laws to address emerging threats to our sovereignty and security,” Estrada said in a statement.
The senator stressed that additional critical information and data still need to be submitted to the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security before he can present the committee report to the plenary.
“It is imperative that we strike a balance between safeguarding national security and upholding the constitutional rights of our people, Rest assured, this effort is geared toward fortifying our defenses while maintaining transparency and accountability in governance,” Estrada stressed.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has also called for the immediate strengthening of the country’s Anti-Espionage Law following the arrest of a Chinese national accused of espionage, and increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The National Security Council has also called on lawmakers to immediately pass amendments that would impose tougher penalties for individuals involved in espionage activities. (PNA)
