Lacson refiles bill to update Anti-Wiretapping Act for serious crimes

Senator Panfilo Lacson has refiled his bill to update and expand the Anti-Wiretapping Act on Monday, aiming to include crimes such as drug offenses, coup d'etat, conspiracy, robbery in band, brigandage, highway robbery, and money laundering under circumstances where wiretapping can be conducted with proper court approval.

Lacson argues that these updates are necessary to address exceptional crimes posing grave threats to national security, noting the effectiveness of wiretapping in combating such crimes but highlighting the outdated nature of current laws.

The bill seeks to amend the 60-year-old Republic Act 4200 by regulating the sale and importation of wiretapping equipment, requiring written approval from the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Violators could face imprisonment ranging from six to twelve years and fines up to P5 million, while manufacturers and sellers may receive three to six years in prison and fines between P500,000 and P2 million.

Public officials found guilty would also face perpetual disqualification from holding public office.