(PNA) MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday urged the swift passage of a bill amending the country’s outdated espionage laws following recent reports of alleged Chinese spies being apprehended by authorities.
Senate Bill No. 2368, which was 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,” Estrada said.
“Rest assured, this effort is geared toward fortifying our defenses while maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.”
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday 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.