The Philippine government should pursue diplomacy with other countries to help strengthen the country's cyber security, an official of an international think-tank and research organization said.

"The Philippines must pursue cyber diplomacy with like-minded countries and develop cybersecurity partnerships to expand its foreign policy strategy and deepen diplomatic engagement,” said Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit.

Manhit said the national government should also reinforce it through the fortification of local laws that will deny cybercriminals and other foreign cyber entities the opportunity to strike.

"Fortified defense against cyber threats is a key element in realizing a peaceful, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Manhit during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition 2024.

And the plan to relax restrictions on telecom regulations under a pending Senate bill may result in more threats from foreign cyber entities.

Manhit said the Senate Bill 2699, or the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act, can be a gateway for abusers, as the law aims to increase telecommunication companies in the country while also relaxing their restrictions. 

If passed, the bill will eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies and also diminishes the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). 

“Cybersecurity is a shared concern and responsibility by both the private and the public sector, as well as domestic and international players because it has the potential to affect regional stability, security, and prosperity," he added

According to cyber intelligence company CYFIRMA, the Philippines is a prime target for cyber espionage activities due to a lack of cybersecurity awareness and underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure, especially with the rising tension in the region.