House OKs on 2nd reading bill requiring SIM card registration

 

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on second reading the measure requiring the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

During its session on Wednesday, the lower chamber approved via voice voting House Bill No. 5793 or the “SIM Card Registration Act” which seeks to help law enforcement agencies track down lawless criminals who use mobile phones with postpaid and prepaid SIM cards.

Under the measure, every public telecommunication entities (PTEs) or direct seller shall require the end user of a SIM card to present a valid identification with photo to ascertain identity.

The PTE or direct seller shall require the end user to accomplish and sign a control-numbered registration form issued by the respected PTE of the SIM card purchased.

All PTEs shall maintain a SIM card Register of their subscribers and update the Department of Information and Technology Communications (DICT) every six months.

The measure likewise includes a confidentiality clause which prohibits the disclosure of any information of a subscriber, unless upon subpoena or lawful order form a competent court or written request from law enforcement agency in relation to an ongoing investigation, that a particular number requested is used in the commission of a crime.

Failure to comply with the SIM card registration policy gives the PTEs the authority to automatically deactivate its services to the prepaid SIM card subscriber.

A similar measure has been filed in the Senate.

Under Senate Bill No. 176 or the proposed SIM Card Registration Act, end-users of prepaid SIM cards shall be required to present a valid ID and photo and sign a control-numbered registration form issued by the service provider of the purchased SIM card.

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