Lacson Pushes for Tougher Anti-Espionage Law, Harsher Penalties for Filipino Traitors

Manila, Philippines – Independent senatorial candidate and former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has vowed to pursue legislation that would impose harsher penalties against Filipinos caught helping foreign nationals spy on the Philippines, calling such acts “the height of treachery.”

In a recent statement, Lacson strongly condemned Filipino citizens who assist foreigners in espionage activities, emphasizing that betrayal by one’s own countrymen is far more damaging and unacceptable.

“It is the height of being a traitor kung sarili pa nating kababayan tutulong pa sa foreigner para maniktik sa ating bansa,” Lacson said. “Dapat doble pa nga ang parusa doon. Isipin mo kababayan natin tutulong sa di mo kababayan para ipahamak ang sarili mong kababayan?”

Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police and long-time public servant known for his strong stance on national security, said the country’s existing anti-espionage law—passed more than eight decades ago—has long been outdated and must be revisited and strengthened to reflect the evolving threats in the modern intelligence landscape.

The current law, Commonwealth Act No. 616 or the Anti-Espionage Act of 1941, penalizes acts of spying or aiding foreign powers against the Philippines. Lacson said the law needs to be modernized to address new methods of intelligence gathering, particularly with the advent of advanced surveillance technologies and cyber espionage.

“We need to update and strengthen our anti-espionage law, not just to protect against China or any specific country, but to guard against any foreign power or even internal threats,” he said. “Espionage knows no nationality—it is the act itself that endangers our national security.”

In addition to pushing for legislative reforms, Lacson said he will move to augment the budget for the country’s intelligence community. He stressed the need to equip the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other intelligence units with modern and advanced tools to effectively detect and counter espionage activities.

“Kailangan palakasin ang batas on top of strengthening our intelligence community by equipping them with updated equipment,” Lacson said.

Lacson noted that a well-equipped intelligence force is crucial not only in thwarting external threats but also in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests, especially in sensitive areas such as the West Philippine Sea and critical national infrastructure.

While Lacson’s statements did not name a specific case or incident, they come amid growing concerns over foreign influence and spying in the Philippines, including allegations of Chinese intelligence activities in key sectors and territories.

As a former senator and veteran of national defense and security policy-making, Lacson has consistently advocated for intelligence reform, anti-corruption in defense spending, and greater oversight in national security affairs. His renewed call to strengthen the anti-espionage framework forms part of his broader platform to enhance the country’s internal stability and sovereignty.

With the 2025 elections approaching, Lacson aims to return to the Senate with a clear focus on national defense, security legislation, and government accountability.