Lawmaker pushes registration of SIM cards anew

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has pushed anew for the registration of SIM cards, saying fake bookings and text scams would be eradicated if prepaid SIM card registration becomes mandatory.

Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian made the call amid reports of scams and fake bookings involving food delivery services.

Gatchalian stressed that “even text scams would virtually be eradicated” if a law mandating SIM card registration was enacted.

“We would easily be able to ascertain the identity of these scammers as everyone purchasing a prepaid SIM card would now be required to provide a valid ID,” he said.

—Julie M. Aurelio