Lacson files bill to boost anti-espionage laws

Senator Panfilo Lacson has proposed a new bill, the "New Anti-Espionage Act," to modernize and strengthen existing laws against espionage and other national security threats in the Philippines.

Lacson highlighted that current laws, Commonwealth Act No. 616 and Article 117 of the Revised Penal Code, have significant gaps due to technological advancements and potential foreign interference in Philippine affairs.

The proposed act aims to increase penalties for espionage offenses, particularly targeting public officials, employees, and foreigners involved in such activities.

It also expands the definition of espionage to encompass physical, electronic, cyber, or any other means that could harm the Philippines or benefit foreign or domestic entities.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to apply the law extraterritorially and penalize foreign jurisdictions that interfere with the country's political and governmental matters.