In a move to safeguard national security and sovereignty, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino introduced Senate Bill No. 2951, known as the Counter Foreign Interference Act, on January 27, 2025. This legislative proposal comes in the wake of recent espionage allegations involving a Chinese national and two Filipino accomplices, highlighting the urgency to update the Philippines’ legal framework against foreign influence, which has remained unchanged since 1979.
Tolentino’s bill targets individuals and entities that pose threats to the nation’s political stability and security. It proposes the establishment of a Counter Foreign Interference Council (CFIC), led by the Executive Secretary and comprising senior officials from various government sectors, to devise and implement strategies against foreign interference.
The bill mandates internet service providers to block content that could jeopardize public safety or national security, with non-compliance leading to hefty fines. It also stipulates severe penalties for those found guilty of foreign interference, including life imprisonment and fines between PHP5 million and PHP10 million. Government officials involved in such activities face maximum penalties and permanent exclusion from public office.
To expedite legal proceedings, the bill calls for the creation of specialized Counter Foreign Interference Courts. It also permits surveillance and communication interception, subject to court approval, to detect and prevent foreign interference. Additionally, the bill classifies certain acts as unlawful, allowing the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze related accounts and seize assets.
Tolentino emphasized the critical need to protect democratic processes, noting that even planning foreign interference could lead to penalties. He warned of foreign actors infiltrating key sectors of the bureaucracy, media, and critical infrastructure, which threatens the nation’s security and sovereignty.
If enacted, the Counter Foreign Interference Act is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ defenses against foreign influence, ensuring the protection of national interests and stability.