House advances modernized anti-espionage bill with broader scope

MANILA – The House of Representatives advanced a bill on Monday aimed at updating the country's decades-old anti-espionage legislation, reflecting contemporary security concerns and closing loopholes in existing laws. House Bill No. 9642 secured approval on second reading via voice vote, marking significant progress for the modernization effort.

The proposed law broadens the definition of espionage to encompass the unauthorized disclosure of any classified information, moving beyond the narrower scope of current statutes. A key provision extends the application of penalties to times of peace, addressing gaps in existing frameworks that primarily address wartime breaches.

Lawmakers have acknowledged that the Philippines' espionage laws, unchanged for several decades, require updating to address modern threats and ensure more comprehensive protection of sensitive national information. The bill's expansion of what constitutes illegal disclosure is intended to strengthen security protocols governing classified materials across government agencies.

The measure now advances toward third and final reading in the House, where it must secure approval before proceeding to the Senate for its own consideration. The timeline for further legislative action remains unclear.