Lawmakers seek review of anti-espionage law after Chinese national's arrest

Several "Alyansa" candidates are calling for a review of the Philippines' Anti-Espionage Law after a Chinese national was apprehended with a suspected spying device near the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Former Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson believes the law needs to be updated to reflect the current era, noting the absence of social media and modern information technology when it was enacted.

Lacson suggested that the law should be amended or repealed to align with present-day realities.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos agreed with Lacson, proposing a review of the law after the upcoming elections.

Abalos also cited remarks by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who pointed out that espionage is typically activated only during wartime and should be addressed even during peacetime.