Tolentino files bill vs foreign interference

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has filed Senate Bill No. 2951, the Counter Foreign Interference Act, to address concerns about foreign influence in Philippine political and governmental processes.

The proposed legislation aims to update the country's existing legal framework on foreign agents, which has been in place since 1979.

SB 2951 seeks to penalize individuals and entities that threaten national security, political stability, and sovereignty, including those involved in espionage and even planning such activities.

Tolentino stated that the bill is a response to the government's growing concern over potential foreign interference and the tactics employed by certain state actors infiltrating key areas.

The bill proposes the establishment of a Counter Foreign Interference Council (CFIC) to coordinate strategies and responses to foreign interference.

The CFIC will be chaired by the Executive Secretary and will include top officials from security, justice, and communications agencies, with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency acting as its secretariat.

The bill also has an expanded scope covering harmful electronic communications and requiring ISPs to block access to communications prejudicial to national security and public safety.