Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada supports the call made by the Department of National Defense to amend the espionage laws of the Philippines.
In a statement, Estrada described the espionage laws of the Philippines as 'antiquated'.
"I stand in solidarity with (Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro) in pushing for reforms to our espionage laws, which were instituted almost a century ago," Estrada said in a statement.
"Given the significant changes in national defense and security over the years, it is important to review and update these policies to ensure they are relevant to the current landscape," he added.
Estrada mentioned that he filed Senate Bill No. 2368 which seeks to introduce amendments to Commonwealth Act No. 616, and to the Revised Penal Code.
Estrada pointed out that he filed the measure even before the Senate started an investigation on Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who has been accused of being a Chinese spy.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, pushes for stiffer penalties, including the life imprisonment and fines amounting to at least P1 million, to individuals involved in espionage.
He said that the proposed measure seeks 'to bolster the safeguarding of government information and effectively address advancements in technology, encompassing electronic documents and cybersecurity'.
"The expansion of the coverage of espionage includes new provisions addressing cyber espionage. This legislation is a response to evolving threats and technological advancements that could compromise the country's security," the senator said.
Estrada said that his committee has been has been actively engaged in deliberating on SB 2368, and a technical working group has been created to refine the proposed legislation.
The senator assured that he welcomes any input from the DND on how to 'fine-tune' the measure.
