Sen. Hontiveros urges swift passage of Espionage Law amendments

Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Senate to swiftly pass amendments to the country's Espionage Law following the arrest of individuals suspected of spying activities.

Hontiveros expressed concern over Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea and the need to prevent the nation from being infiltrated by spies.

She recalled previous issues, including the Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) scheme at the Bureau of Immigration, which she believes allowed numerous Chinese nationals to enter the country without adequate checks.

The senator also referenced the Senate's investigation into POGO operations, where dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was identified by NICA as an "agent of influence" and linked by a self-confessed spy to espionage activities.

Hontiveros emphasized the importance of the Department of National Defense and other agencies thoroughly investigating these matters for national security.

This call for strengthening the Espionage Law has been echoed by other senators, including Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who filed a bill to expand its coverage.

Estrada's proposed bill seeks to impose life imprisonment and a significant fine for espionage, a substantial increase from current penalties.

The proposed amendments also aim to incorporate technological advancements, such as electronic documents and cybersecurity, into the law.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had previously requested legislative action to update the espionage law to be applicable during peacetime.