Manila: Senators are seeking to update the Philippines’ anti-espionage laws following reports of foreign nationals allegedly engaged in surveillance activities near sensitive government and military installations. At the Senate defense panel hearing, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada stated that the country’s current legal framework against espionage, anchored on the 1941 Commonwealth Act No. 616, is outdated. He urged Congress to pass the proposed Anti-Espionage Act during the 20th Congress to provide the Philippines with a stronger legal shield.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros detailed a series of cases involving Chinese nationals reportedly found with surveillance equipment such as IMSI catchers, Lidar sensors, underwater drones, and terrain maps near key locations like Malaca±ang and Camp Aguinaldo. She highlighted lapses in institutional vetting, citing instances of foreigners entering the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Hontiveros emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of national institutions and processes as part of upholding sovereignty.
The proposed Anti-Espionage Act, introduced through Senate Bill Nos. 553 and 663, seeks to impose higher penalties, require judicial oversight for surveillance, and establish accountability mechanisms for handling classified matters. Lawmakers argue that these reforms are necessary to safeguard state security and citizens’ constitutional rights.
Senator Panfilo Lacson called for intensified efforts against Chinese spies, described as ‘sleeper agents’ and operatives from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He urged government agencies to conduct continuous follow-up operations against individuals arrested in previous anti-espionage efforts. Lacson stressed the need for dismantling or significantly reducing espionage networks, noting the presence of sleeper agents and PLA members in the country.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) deputy director and spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin reported that their agents had arrested 19 foreign nationals in suspected espionage operations, including 13 Chinese, five Filipinos, and one Cambodian. The Filipinos reportedly acted as guides, drivers, or aides. Lacson, a former national police chief, highlighted the importance of ongoing intelligence and follow-up operations beyond initial arrests in tackling espionage threats.
Lacson also urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the assets of those involved in espionage activities, citing the case of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo as a precedent.
