The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved House Bill No. 9642, or the “New Espionage Act,” on its third and final reading with a 247-10 vote to modernize the nation’s defenses against modern security threats.
The updated measure modernizes the legal framework to address cyber-enabled spying, drone surveillance, financial channels, and attacks on critical infrastructure. House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos assured the public that the House of Representatives would continue to pursue legislation that “keeps pace with emerging threats and provides the government with the necessary tools to protect the nation.”
Under the bill, acts of espionage, conspiracy, or making false statements to secure security clearances carry a penalty of life imprisonment without parole and fines between P10 million and P20 million. The measure also features extraterritorial reach, allowing Philippine authorities to prosecute covered crimes committed abroad by Filipino citizens, aboard national vessels, or targeting government personnel.
Additionally, the bill grants intelligence personnel court-approved wiretapping authority for investigations and empowers the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze and examine associated funds. Convicted public officials will face perpetual disqualification from holding office, while military members may undergo court-martial proceedings, and convicted foreign nationals will face mandatory deportation after completing their prison terms.