Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has 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 Senate must immediately enhance our existing Anti-Espionage Law," Hontiveros said in a statement Tuesday. She emphasized the urgency, stating, "As China's monster ship continues to sail back and forth in the West Philippine Sea, our government must ensure that we don't just let ourselves be surrounded by spies."
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros highlighted previous incidents that posed potential threats, citing the Visa Upon Arrival scheme at the Bureau of Immigration, which she claimed allowed many Chinese nationals to enter the country without proper checks. She also expressed concerns about Chinese nationals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. During an investigation conducted by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Chinese national Alice Guo was identified by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency as an "agent of influence." Hontiveros stated, "Allegations of self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang that Guo is a fellow spy have also not been put to rest. Government must continue to exhaust all efforts to reach out to She and obtain information so crucial for our security."
Hontiveros expressed confidence that the Department of National Defense (DND), along with other relevant agencies, is addressing the issue. She emphasized the importance of taking these matters seriously for national security, interest, and sovereignty. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has been advocating for lawmakers to amend laws to allow the government to penalize espionage activities, even during peacetime.
In the House of Representatives, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. supported President Marcos' plan to veto Senate Bill No. 1979 if it is not amended. Abante argued that the "divisive" measure could infringe on the rights of Christian-based educational institutions. He stated, "While we should recognize the need to address adolescent pregnancy, we must address it in such a way that it does not violate the rights of our people, especially the freedom of religion." Abante insisted that any law concerning teenage pregnancy should respect the family as the primary institution of moral guidance and ensure that faith-based communities are not forced to comply with teachings conflicting with their beliefs.
