MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday renewed his call for stronger penalties against espionage, citing recent cases of alleged spying activities targeting Philippine state secrets.

Lacson said the incidents highlight the urgency of updating the country’s anti-espionage law, noting that he had already filed a measure addressing the issue during the early part of the current Congress.

“It was one of the first bills I filed in the 20th Congress, to update our anti-espionage law. Our current law is a Commonwealth Act dating back to 1941, whose penalties are too light. So I say we need to strengthen the law to address modern-day threats,” Lacson said in a mix of English and Filipino during an interview on DZRH.

“Our world has changed, and spying is detrimental to our national security,” he added.

The senator filed Senate Bill No. 33, which seeks to strengthen and modernize the country’s anti-espionage laws by increasing penalties and expanding coverage to include new technologies.

Under the proposal, individuals found guilty of espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, or interference in the country’s internal affairs could face life imprisonment without parole and fines ranging from ₱5 million to ₱20 million. The penalties would also apply to those who aid or abet such activities.

However, as of March 2026, the measure remains pending before the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation.

Lacson noted that other countries impose significantly harsher penalties for espionage offenses, including capital punishment in China.

He also recalled that he was previously subjected to scrutiny under United States anti-espionage laws after receiving an email from Leandro Aragoncillo, who was later charged with espionage.

According to Lacson, the email he received was monitored and his visa was canceled during the investigation.

“That’s how strict other countries act against espionage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Security Council recently confirmed that three Filipino nationals were detained over alleged espionage activities believed to be linked to foreign intelligence operations in the Philippines.

Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the suspects have reportedly confessed and are cooperating with authorities.

Officials also said the individuals were allegedly recruited through covert channels and used digital platforms to transmit information as part of the espionage network currently under investigation.