Gibo working with Jinggoy to amend espionage law

Amid concerns over possible spying activities in the country by Chinese nationals disguised as Filipinos, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.has committed to work with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada in strengthening the country's anti-espionage law, which dates back to the US colonial era.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

In an interview with dwIZ radio yesterday, Estrada said Teodoro had informed him of his instructions to his staff at the Department of National Defense to coordinate with the senator regarding the latter's proposal to have the current antiespionage law amended.

Through Senate Bill 2368 filed last year, Estrada is eyeing tougher punishment and penalties for espionage, including maximum imprisonment of 30 years as well as fines of up to P500,000.

In his proposal, Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said a strengthened anti-espionage law should apply even if the country is not at war.

He hopes his SB 2368 is prioritized and enacted into law before the 19th Congress bows out in June next year.