DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte and second district Rep. Omar S. Duterte and Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold James T. Duterte filed a bill seeking to amend the treason provisions of the Revised Penal Code to strengthen protections for Filipino citizens against acts that compromise national sovereignty.

According to the Davao City lawmakers, the proposed measure aims to classify as treason the act of any Filipino citizen who surrenders or facilitates the surrender of another Filipino to a foreign state or international body, resulting in interrogation, imprisonment, torture, or death of the surrendered individual.

Under the bill, violators would face penalties ranging from reclusion perpetua to death, as well as fines of up to P4 million. It also stated that public officials found guilty would be removed from office immediately, in addition to facing criminal prosecution.

The Duterte lawmakers emphasized that the bill is anchored on the principle that every Filipino must be able to rely on the State – and its officials – for protection, not betrayal.

They noted that no government official should have the power to surrender a Filipino to foreign entities, particularly when motivated by political expediency or external pressure.

“Public office is a public trust. Those who swear an oath to serve the Republic are expected to defend Filipino citizens, uphold national sovereignty, and place loyalty to the country above partisan or political interests,” the lawmakers said.

They emphasized that these standards represent the minimum duty of anyone entrusted with the authority of the State.

The Dutertes filed the bill months after former President Rodrigo Duterte was taken to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face charges related to the war against drugs.