Proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, aim to clarify the roles and powers of government agencies involved in fighting cybercrime and to improve how they work together.
The law, passed in 2012, set up the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) as the main body responsible for policy coordination, investigation support, and cooperation among agencies handling cybercrime cases. Lawmakers now want to update several provisions to add new technologies and emerging online threats.
One change is the expansion and clearer definition of the authority of agencies, law enforcement units, and partner organizations. The proposal seeks to strengthen coordination among them so they can share information and act faster when responding to cybercrime incidents.
The amendments also focus on prevention and enforcement. They reaffirm penalties for acts that can damage the digital economy, such as refusing to hand over computer data when legally required, encouraging others to commit cybercrime, and forms of economic sabotage carried out online. Supporters of the proposal say clearer rules will make enforcement more consistent and effective.
Another major provision is the formal designation of the CICC as an Interpol-endorsed Anti-Scam Hub. This would position the CICC as a central platform for sharing cybercrime information and coordinating with international partners, especially in cases involving scams and cross-border cyber threats.
The proposal updates several legal definitions to match current technology and practices. It introduces the term "organized crime group" and replaces "computer system" with "information and communications technology (ICT) system." It also adds terms such as "mass mailer," "social engineering scheme," and "payment system provider," and broadens the meaning of "service provider" and "internet intermediaries."
To speed up legal action, the amendments would allow service providers to directly file complaints. They would also let law enforcement officers represent complainants when private individuals cannot personally appear before prosecutors or courts.
Lawmakers backing the changes say the amendments are meant to create a more coordinated and practical approach to cybersecurity, with the goal of making the country's online environment safer for individuals, businesses, and public institutions.