Rep Rodriguez files bills to toughen espionage law amid spy concerns

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has filed two bills at the House of Representatives seeking to amend the country's 83-year-old espionage law, proposing stricter penalties and expanding coverage during peacetime.

HB No. 10983 aims to clarify that the penalty for espionage will be imposed whether committed in peace or war, while HB No. 10988 seeks to impose stiffer penalties for various acts of spying under Commonwealth Act No. 616.

Rodriguez emphasized the need for comprehensive protection against espionage amid concerns about individuals collaborating with foreign countries, citing recent allegations about Chinese spies and specifically mentioning dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo as an alleged spy.

The bills aim to enhance penalties for unlawful obtaining and sharing of classified information affecting national defense or security during peace or war, with life imprisonment or a fine ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP2 million for severe acts.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo C. Teodoro Jr. urged Congress to amend the anti-espionage laws even if the country is not at war, citing threats from foreign intelligence services and cybercriminals.