(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Thursday (Oct. 3) urged the Department of National Defense (DND) to provide inputs on the proposed expansion of the country’s anti-espionage laws.
“Any input from the Defense Department will be welcomed to help fine-tune the measure,” said Estrada who filed Senate Bill N. 2368.
The lawmaker explained that it is crucial to review and update such policies amid the significant changes in national defense and security over the years.
Estrada said he filed the bill even before issues surfaced concerning dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo who has been suspected to be a Chinese spy.
“The Committee on National Defense and Security, which I chair, has been actively engaged in deliberating on this measure. A hearing was held on May 22, 2024, and subsequent to this, a technical working group was created to refine the bill,” he said.
The senator said the proposed measure, which would amend Commonwealth Act No. 616 signed in 1941 and the Revised Penal Code which took effect in 1932, includes new provisions addressing cyber espionage.
“This legislation is a response to evolving threats and technological advancements that could compromise the country’s security,” he said.
Estrada said the proposed measure also recommends “the implementation of stiffer penalties, including life imprisonment and fines amounting to at least P1 million, to bolster the safeguarding of government information and effectively address advancements in technology, encompassing electronic documents and cybersecurity.”