By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senators on Wednesday are seeking to update the Philippines’ anti-espionage laws following reports of foreign nationals allegedly engaged in surveillance activities near sensitive government and military installations.
At the Senate defense panel hearing, Committee chair Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said the country’s current legal framework against espionage anchored on the 1941 Commonwealth Act No. 616, is outdated.
He called on Congress to pass the proposed Anti-Espionage Act this 20th Congress to provide the Philippines with a stronger legal shield.
“We are hopeful that we can steer the passage of this important and timely measure,” Estrada said, stressing that new provisions must cover cyber-enabled threats, insider infiltration, and tampering with critical infrastructure.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, detailed a series of alarming cases involving Chinese nationals reportedly caught with IMSI catchers, Lidar sensors, underwater drones, and detailed terrain maps near Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, and other key locations.
She also flagged lapses in institutional vetting, citing the reported entry of foreigners into the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
“Ang soberanya natin, hindi lang nakasukat sa teritoryo. Nasa pag-aalaga rin natin sa integridad at dangal ng ating mga institusyon, proseso, at pati papeles (Our sovereignty is not measured solely by territory but also by how we uphold the integrity and dignity of our institutions, processes, and even documents),” Hontiveros said.
The proposed Anti-Espionage Act, filed through Senate Bill Nos. 553 and 663, introduces higher penalties, judicial oversight for surveillance, and accountability mechanisms for handling classified matters.
Lawmakers said the reforms are necessary to safeguard both state security and citizens’ constitutional rights. (PNA)
