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Philippines advances anti-spying bill as critics warn of broader powers

The measure passed the House on September 17 and would expand the espionage law beyond its current wartime focus, as the Senate considers a similar version.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

A Philippine bill that would expand the country’s espionage law beyond wartime spying is drawing pushback from journalists and legal experts, who say its broad provisions could limit free expression and reduce public scrutiny of national issues. The House of Representatives approved the measure on September 17, with the Senate reviewing a similar version.

Under the current law, which dates to 1941, the focus is on wartime espionage, according to the coverage. The proposed change would adopt a broader definition that applies to peacetime activities.

Senator Panfilo Lacson defended the need for the update, saying existing statutes do not address modern peacetime espionage. In an explanatory note for his Senate Bill No 33, Lacson said authorities arrested five people for spying last year, including cases involving aerial drones photographing military facilities on Palawan island, and the detention of a Chinese national near the Commission on.

The report also notes that the Senate is considering the measure in a form similar to that approved by the House.

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