Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Wednesday, Aug. 27, called for checking all foreign-donated equipment for possible spyware, warning that these may be used against the country.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Zubiri stressed that donated hardware like computers and CCTV cameras must be closely monitored. The panel was hearing the New Anti-Espionage Act, principally authored by Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson with Zubiri as one of the authors.

“Maybe we can add it in the bill that there should be a component in the bill or a section which will recall all donated articles or items, materials from countries that are hostile to the Philippines,” the senator said. 

He recalled that during earlier briefings, officials admitted hundreds of computers were donated to the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government by China, which he considered a national security concern and asked for updates on whether these units had already been recalled or replaced.

“It was admitted by then SILG at that time, I think it was Abalos … and the PNP chief at that time, that there were several hundreds … Kaya sinabi nga namin kay Presidente dapat ipa-recall yun, palitan (That's why we told the President it should be recalled, replaced),” he said.

He added that one turnover was even attended by the Chinese ambassador and widely covered. 

“Actually that was a very well-documented turnover. That was in 2020, 2021, bago mag-election… So, I recall that we had several discussions at that time with the head of NICA, together with the AFP intelligence group… that they were going to replace all those computers. Hindi ko alam kung na-replace po yan,” Zubiri noted.

For Zubiri, the danger goes beyond equipment on the ground, warning that today even simple access to computers or cameras can already compromise security. 

“You don’t even need boots on the ground… All they need is access to your computer. They can open the cameras in your phone, laptops nyo. They can tap into our CCTV equipment,” he explained.

He said other countries know the Philippines’ defenses are weak, with visiting officials using only burner phones when they come here. 

“They’ve always commented that the Philippines has a very low ranking when it comes to anti-cybercrime and anti-espionage activities… They don’t even use their phones. It’s all burner phones… They’re not allowed to even bring their own phones kasi baka magamit nga for espionage,” he said.

Zubiri reminded agencies that procurement rules have been amended so that they are no longer forced to buy the cheapest equipment, which often comes from China. 

“Under the procurement law, we placed there the conditions for negotiated bidding, particularly to the Armed Forces and armed services of our nation's troops, our nation's strength. For example PCG, DND, AFP, PNP, NICA and other agencies involved in law enforcement can now do negotiated bidding to avoid certain brands like Huawei,” he said.

He said the Department of Information and Communications Technology must also be present in future hearings to lay out its plans on cyber defense.

Zubiri also said senators are willing to back the budgets of intelligence agencies, but only if they get clear briefings on how funds are being spent to strengthen anti-spy and anti-cybercrime efforts. 

“We just want to support you, but we want to support you the right way … And I hope that in the next meeting, we can have a more comprehensive discussion,” he said.