Lacson files bill seeking to expand coverage of Anti-Wiretapping Act

Sen. Panfilo Lacson — SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson has refiled his bill seeking to update and expand the Anti-Wiretapping Act to strengthen the government’s fight against criminality.

If enacted, the still unnumbered measure would include crimes such as drug-related offenses, coup d’etat, conspiracy, robbery in band, brigandage or highway robbery, and money laundering among those where law enforcers may conduct wiretapping or intercept private communications, subject to proper court approval.

READ: IN THE KNOW: Anti-Wiretapping Law

Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, said that while wiretapping has proven to be an effective tool against “exceptional” crimes that pose a grave threat to national security, these offenses are not covered under the current law.

“Unfortunately, there are still certain crimes that are not covered under the said exceptional cases, which put not only the lives and property of our people in paramount danger, but also pose a grave threat to our nation’s security,” he said in a statement.

His proposed measure seeks to amend and update the 60-year-old Republic Act 4200, which prohibits and penalizes wiretapping and other violations of the right to privacy in communication.

Lacson’s bill also seeks to regulate the sale and importation of wiretapping equipment. Violators may face six to 12 years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from P1 million to P5 million.

Those who manufacture, assemble, sell, import, distribute, or dispose of wiretapping equipment may face three to six years in prison and a fine of P500,000 to P2 million. If the offender is a public official, they will also face perpetual disqualification from holding public office./mcm