Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez introduced two bills on Monday aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ espionage laws by imposing penalties for spying during peacetime and increasing sanctions on espionage-related offenses.
Rodriguez filed House Bill (HB) 10983, which seeks to amend Article 117 of the Revised Penal Code to criminalize espionage both “in times of peace and war,” and HB 10988, which amends Commonwealth Act No. 616 to impose stricter penalties for acts of espionage.
He emphasized the growing threat of foreign espionage, citing reports of spies infiltrating government offices, diplomatic communities, and the private sector.
“We have to be wary of these Trojan horses, especially our compatriots who sell their souls and services to foreign interests,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker said his proposals are timely, given the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea and cases like that of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who has been accused of being a Chinese spy—an allegation she denies.
The proposed legislation also responds to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s recent call to amend the Philippines’ espionage laws, which are currently only applicable during wartime.
In his explanatory notes, Rodriguez pointed to the need for updated laws to address modern security challenges, including technological advancements and cyber threats.
“By enhancing penalties and updating definitions to align with contemporary security challenges, the legislation aims to bolster the Philippines’ ability to preserve and protect its national security interests,” he underscored.
Under HB 10983, penalties for unauthorized access to confidential military or defense information would range from six months to six years of imprisonment. Public officials found guilty of disclosing sensitive information to foreign entities would face even harsher penalties.
Meanwhile, HB 10988 proposes life imprisonment and fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP2 million, depending on the severity of the espionage offense.
