The House leadership assured Wednesday the final passage of the proposed “Cyber-crime Prevention Act of 2009” following the series of hacking of government websites, which shed doubt on the security of votes to be cast via automated system in this year’s elections.

The bill seeks to punish offenses against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems. The offenses include illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, and system interference.

House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles said the bill would get the chamber’s approval during the nine-day session they would be holding before going on a break to give way for election period.

This, as he expressed alarm over the reported series of attacks on government websites, saying it could put at risk, as well, the country’s national security. “This is a serious matter that authorities must bond together to eliminate the risk of putting government, or even the private sector, records and information systems and e-transactions in jeopardy,” the House leader said. (Gabriel S. Mabutas)