DND Welcomes House Approval of Proposed New Espionage Act

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of the proposed New Espionage Act, which, the agency described as “critical and [a] long-overdue modernization of antiquated laws.” House Bill 9642 was approved on third and final reading Thursday night by 247 favorable votes against 10 unfavorable. The DND hailed the legislative measure as a vital step toward fortifying national security and modernizing the country’s legal framework against espionage and other threats. “The approval of the proposed New Espionage Act is a critical and long-overdue modernization of antiquated laws that are no longer responsive to the current security landscape,” the DND said in a statement. The proposed act seeks to criminalize acts of espionage, sabotage, and the unlawful disclosure of classified information, among other offenses. It aims to provide authorities with more effective tools to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups involved in activities that undermine national security. The DND emphasized that the passage of the bill is timely, considering the evolving nature of security threats, including those posed by foreign adversaries and non-state actors. “In an era of increasing geopolitical complexities and rapid technological advancements, it is imperative that our laws keep pace with the evolving threats to our nation’s security,” the department added. The bill will now proceed to the Senate for similar deliberation and approval before it can be signed into law by the President. The House’s approval of the New Espionage Act is seen as a significant development in the Philippines’ efforts to enhance its national security apparatus and protect its sovereignty in the face of regional challenges.