Estrada calls for passage of bill expanding coverage of espionage law

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has called for the passage of the bill he filed, which seeks to expand the coverage of the law against espionage.

Estrada made the call during the continuation of the Senate investigation into illegal POGOs which was conducted after the release of an Al Jazeera documentary which indicated that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also tagged as Guo Hua Ping, is a Chinese spy.

"Defending against malicious foreign interference should be a top priority. Whether Guo Huaping leads a double life is up to the defense and intelligence agencies to pursue, and the Senate must be updated on any development," Estrada said.

"I think it is also high time to pursue amendments to the 83-year-old Commonwealth Act No. 616 or the Espionage Law. I already filed Senate Bill No. 2368 and discussions to expand the coverage to include cyber espionage and provide stiffer penalties are in order," he added.

SB 2368 proposed a penalty of life imprisonment and at least one million fine for the commission of espionage.

This is an increase from the current penalty of imprisonment ranging from not more than 10 to 30 years and a fine of P2,000 to P30,000. The Revised Penal Code also metes espionage with the penalty of six months to six years imprisonment.

"It is imperative to update the provisions of the said laws and increase the penalties thereof to protect government information, including including classified matters relevant to the preservation and protection of national security, from theft, wrongful destruction or alteration, misappropriation and conversion by any person including foreign governments and their agents or instrumentalities," Estrada said in his explanatory note.

The senator said the espionage law's amendments will take into account advancements in technology to include electronic forms of documents and other information as well as cybersecurity.

"Considering the antiquated nature of our espionage laws which were approved more than eight decades ago and the major changes in the national defense and security landscape since then, today is an opportune time to revisit pertinent policies and introduce appropriate amendments," he said.

Last week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. asked lawmakers to amend the law against espionage so it can be applicable in times of peace amid the documentary accusing Guo of being a Chinese spy.

Following this, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escuder urged the Defense Department to submit its proposed amendments to the law against espionage.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News