Hontiveros pushes bill to strengthen Espionage Law amid Chinese spy arrest

Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the immediate passage of a bill to strengthen the 83-year-old Espionage Law following the arrest of a Chinese national accused of espionage and increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Hontiveros emphasized the need to enhance existing anti-espionage measures given China's presence in the West Philippine Sea and concerns over inadequate immigration checks under the Visa Upon Arrival scheme.

The senator also referenced investigations into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) where dismissed Mayor Alice Guo was tagged as an 'agent of influence' by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Hontiveros stressed that government agencies must continue efforts to gather information crucial for national security and take the matter seriously, adding concerns about self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang's allegations linking Guo to espionage activities.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada previously called for amendments to the espionage law, proposing life imprisonment and a fine of at least one million pesos for committing espionage.