Estrada pushes anew for bill expanding anti-espionage law

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada at the hearing on the alleged illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac on September 17, 2024. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada made another push on Thursday for his anti-espionage bill seeking tougher penalties for national security-related violations.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro made a similar call on Monday urging lawmakers to update anti-espionage measures after an alleged Chinese spy in an Al Jazeera report linked dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to Chinese espionage operations in the Philippines.

READ: Alice Guo a spy? What’s clear is she’s not Filipino, Teodoro says

“I stand in solidarity with our Defense chief in pushing for reforms to our espionage laws, which were instituted almost a century ago,” Estrada said in a statement.

“Given the significant changes in national defense and security over the years, it is important to review and update these policies to ensure they are relevant to the current landscape,” he added.

Estrada invited input from the defense department in reforming the anti-espionage law.

The Senate began investigating Guo last May for her involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators.

In July 2023, Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 2368 seeking tougher penalties for espionage, including life imprisonment and fines of up to P1 million.

Existing laws penalize espionage with 10 to 30 years imprisonment and a fine between P2,000 and P30,000. The penal code sets the penalty at six months and one day to six years in prison.

“The expansion of the coverage of espionage includes new provisions addressing cyber espionage. This legislation is a response to evolving threats and technological advancements that could compromise the country’s security,” Estrada said.

READ: DICT vows to combat rising cyberespionage