MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is receptive to backing the proposed New Espionage Act, provided its measures ultimately serve the best interests of the Filipino people, the Palace announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a news briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that while the President has not yet reviewed the draft, he will not stand in the way of legislation that proves advantageous to the nation.
“So titingnan lamang po kung ano iyong version. Pero kung maganda po ang nilalaman nito, hindi po naman ito hahadlangan ng ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
Addressing issues surrounding national security, Castro noted growing concerns over a perceived decline in patriotism among certain individuals, emphasizing that the measure could deter acts that compromise the country’s safety.
“Sa ngayon po ay hindi pa naman po nakikita ng Pangulo ang version. Pero kung ito naman po talaga ay para sa ating bansa at kinakailangan talaga magkaroon ng pag-aamyenda dahil iba’t ibang klase na po ang nakikita nating mga ikinikilos ng iba nating kababayan na ang iba nga ay parang nawawala na iyong patriotism at hindi natin gugustuhin iyan,” Castro explained.
“Hindi gugustuhin ng Pangulo na kapwa Pilipino mismo pa ang magtatraydor sa ating bansa at sa ating mga kababayan,” she added.
Acknowledging that security-related measures often spark debate due to potential impacts on personal liberties, Malacañang welcomed public input and urged critics to participate constructively in the legislative process.
“Marami pong ganyan laging tumututol. Lahat po ng mga batas patungkol po sa ganitong mga klaseng paghihigpit lalo na kung ito naman ay may kinalaman sa independence, freedom ng bawat kababayan. Talaga pong lalabas at lalabas ang mga maaaring magkaroon ng objection,” Castro said.
“Karapatan po nilang magbigay ng anumang kanilang mga suggestion, objection, opinyon at kung anong kanilang mga isa-suggest, ipalagay po nila sa nasabing bill para po makonsidera. Para ito naman po ay para sa kalahatan, hindi naman para sa iilang tao lamang,” she noted, encouraging dissenters to propose specific amendments for review.
The House of Representatives has already passed House Bill No. 9642 on its third and final reading.
The legislative proposal aims to modernize national defense mechanisms against contemporary threats, such as cyber espionage and unauthorized intrusions into key infrastructure, introducing stiffer penalties including life imprisonment and fines up to ₱20 million alongside expanded investigative powers.