Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines defense ministry backs House passage of modernized espionage law
The Department of National Defense has endorsed the House of Representatives' approval of a proposed New Espionage Act, calling it an essential update to outdated legislation. The measure passed with overwhelming support on its third and final reading.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of National Defense expressed support Friday for the House of Representatives' approval of the proposed New Espionage Act, characterizing the legislation as a necessary modernization of the country's aging security frameworks.
The measure, identified as House Bill 9642, secured passage on third and final reading Thursday evening with 247 votes in favor and 10 opposed, signaling strong congressional backing for the initiative.
Defense officials described the new espionage legislation as "critical and long-overdue," indicating that current laws governing national security matters require substantial updating to address contemporary threats and operational needs.
The bill's advancement represents a significant step in revising the Philippines' legal mechanisms for protecting classified information and national security interests. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration as part of the standard legislative process.