A Chinese national caught with alleged spying gadgets near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ignited fresh calls to revisit the country’s Anti-Espionage Law. Several Alyansa candidates are pushing for urgent reforms to this nearly century-old legislation.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson slammed the law as outdated, saying, “It’s about time we amend or repeal this archaic law to fit the modern age. Back then, we didn’t have social media or today’s advanced information technology.”
Adding his voice, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos agreed. “Senator Ping is right. After the elections, let’s review the law. I’ve also read Secretary Gilberto Teodoro’s take—espionage laws only activate during wartime. But we need safeguards even in peace. This law must be updated.”
Abalos emphasized that the security of the midterm polls will heavily depend on the efforts of Comelec and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
This call for reform surged after the controversial arrest of a Chinese national allegedly involved in spying activities, alongside two Filipinos. Authorities found supposed spying equipment near the Comelec office in Manila.
Still, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia sought to calm fears, assuring the public that no election data was compromised inside the Comelec headquarters.
With Eleksyon 2025 fast approaching, questions loom. Are current laws enough to protect our elections from foreign interference? Will lawmakers act swiftly to strengthen legal defenses? The nation waits and watches.
