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SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero revealed on Thursday that the Department of National Defense is urging Congress to amend the country’s anti-espionage laws, making them applicable even in times of peace.
Escudero shared this during the “Kapihan sa Senado” media briefing, following discussions with DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
The call for changes to the anti-espionage law comes on the heels of allegations linking dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to Chinese espionage activities. Guo, who is embroiled in various legal controversies including human trafficking, has been accused of being a Chinese spy by Chinese crime leader She Zhijiang, who is currently detained in Thailand.
Guo has repeatedly denied these claims, but the allegations have reignited concerns about foreign espionage within the country, particularly in connection with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Escudero explained that under the current law, espionage provisions in the Revised Penal Code are only enforceable during times of war.
As revealed by the Senate chief, Secretary Teodoro’s request aims to expand the law’s scope, ensuring that espionage activities can be prosecuted even during peacetime.
“They [the DND] want to focus on two things. First, what provisions of that law should we apply when there is no war? It’s peacetime and not just during war. And secondly, it is time that we classify the documents, information, [and] knowledge of our government. What is secret, what is top secret, what is national security? What should not be released?” Escudero said.
Escudero emphasized the need for a legal framework governing the classification of sensitive information.
“Right now, all of this is only covered by a joint memorandum circular and there is no law that covers the rules and policies related to secrets, top secrets, and the penalties when you release information that is already considered top secret,” he added.