A bill by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson will finally strengthen and modernize the Philippines’ outdated laws – one dating back to 1941 – against espionage and other offenses against national security.
Lacson’s Senate Bill 33, the “New Anti-Espionage Act,” increases penalties for such offenses, and covers new technologies, as well as activities by foreign jurisdictions that can interfere with our government affairs.
It also allows the surveillance of suspects and interception and recording of communications after court order from the Court of Appeals.
“Recent technological advancements, along with the potential involvement of foreign jurisdictions in our country’s political and governmental affairs, have exposed significant gaps in Commonwealth Act No. 616 and Article 117 of the Revised Penal Code. These shortcomings underscore the urgent need to amend and modernize these laws,” Lacson said in his bill.
“This measure aims to strengthen the law by updating the penalties for the punishable acts. Particularly, the measure imposes higher penalties upon erring public officials, employees and foreigners. The measure also provides for the extraterritorial application of the law. It likewise penalizes activities by foreign jurisdictions that could interfere with the political and government affairs of the country,” he added.
In Filipino: Panukala ni Ping Lacson, Palalakasin at Ia-Update ang Batas vs Pag-Eespiya at Paglabag sa Pambasang Seguridad
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