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.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Alice Guo a spy? What’s clear is she’s not Filipino, Teodoro says
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION Putin hosts summit to show West it can't keep Russia off global stage GLOBALNATION China says it reached 'resolution' with India on contested border issues GLOBALNATION Eyes on the prize: One man rides high to reach his goal“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.
Article continues after this advertisementEstrada invited input from the defense department in reforming the anti-espionage law.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Senate began investigating Guo last May for her involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Article continues after this advertisementIn 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.
Article continues after this advertisement“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.
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