President Marcos has identified three bills, including the proposed Cybersecurity Act, as priority measures to enhance cybersecurity efforts in the Philippines. The move comes in response to the rising number of cyber attacks targeting state agencies and critical information infrastructure in recent years.
The bills, recommended by the digital infrastructure group of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), include the Cybersecurity Act (Senate Bill No. 1365), Anti-Mule Act (SB 2039), and Online Site Blocking Act. These legislative measures aim to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity resilience, combat fraudulent financial activities, and address online piracy issues.
President Marcos expressed support for the recommendation during a meeting with the PSAC, emphasizing the need for structural requirements in legislation. He pledged to work on expediting the bills in Congress and collaborating with legislative leadership to advance the cybersecurity agenda.
The Cybersecurity Act seeks to safeguard critical information infrastructure and impose penalties for non-compliance. The Anti-Mule Act aims to prevent money mules and fraudulent financial activities, while the Online Site Blocking Act institutionalizes the blocking of websites displaying pirated content, protecting the creative industry and consumers.
The PSAC highlighted the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s digital landscape. The recommendations presented to President Marcos aim to fortify defenses against evolving cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of implementing minimum information security standards for critical information infrastructure aligned with the national cybersecurity plan.
Conclusion: President Marcos’ commitment to prioritizing cybersecurity legislation reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing the country’s digital resilience and security amid the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. The move aligns with the broader efforts to fortify the Philippines’ cyber defenses and protect vital digital assets.
