Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson has introduced a bill aimed at reinforcing and updating the Philippines' 78-year-old anti-espionage laws by proposing stricter penalties for espionage activities. The proposed "New Anti-Espionage Act" seeks to address modern technological challenges and activities by foreign entities that could potentially disrupt the country's governmental operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the bill suggests increasing penalties for espionage and broadening the scope to include technological advancements. It permits the surveillance of suspects and the interception of communications with a court order from the Court of Appeals. Lacson emphasized the necessity to amend existing laws, citing gaps in Commonwealth Act No. 616 and Article 117 of the Revised Penal Code as a result of recent technological and foreign jurisdiction involvements in national affairs.
The legislation targets public officials, employees, and foreigners, proposing higher penalties for offenses committed by these groups. The bill expands the definition of espionage to cover actions that may harm the Philippines or benefit foreign or domestic entities, using various means such as physical, electronic, or cyber.
Lacson noted that the bill imposes harsher penalties on Filipinos committing espionage abroad, foreigners involved in espionage against Philippine representatives, and any individual engaging in such activities against the Philippine government from outside the country. The introduction of this measure follows the arrest of several individuals involved in alleged espionage, leading to the confiscation of surveillance equipment used in sensitive locations.
For foreign nationals, jurisdiction applies when they are within Philippine territory. In the absence of extradition requests, the National Security Council will refer cases to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation or the Department of Justice for prosecution as if the offense occurred in the Philippines.
The bill mandates life imprisonment without parole and fines ranging from PHP5 million to PHP20 million for those engaged in espionage and related conspiracies. Government officials found guilty will face permanent disqualification from public office, while convicted foreigners will be deported post-sentence and barred from re-entry.
Additionally, the NSC may issue Access Blocking Orders to restrict access to online content threatening national security. Non-compliance by internet service providers will result in substantial fines. Authorized personnel may conduct secret surveillance after obtaining a Court of Appeals order.
The bill also designates espionage and interference as unlawful activities under the Anti-Money Laundering Council's jurisdiction, allowing financial investigations and asset forfeiture without a court order for suspected crimes.
