Former senator Panfilo Lacson has called for life imprisonment for espionage, arguing that the current laws are outdated and impose weak penalties.
He pointed to the case of suspected Chinese spy Yuanqing Deng, who was arrested for allegedly gathering intelligence on military and critical infrastructure sites.
Lacson warned that modern espionage tactics, including cyber operations, are not adequately covered by existing laws.
Following Deng’s arrest, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has intensified security measures at military camps and sensitive locations.
Lacson urged Congress to amend the 1941 Espionage Act to address modern threats and ensure stricter penalties.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 30, 2025
