Social media registration in vetoed SIM bill a ‘last-minute insertion’ by Drilon — House leader

MANILA, Philippines — The provision on social media registration in the vetoed SIM Card Registration Act was a “last-minute insertion” made by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, one of the principal authors of the measure in the House of Representatives said Friday. 

Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian was referring to the social media registration provision of the SIM Card Registration Act which was cited by President Rodrigo Duterte as the reason for vetoing the measure. 

“I agree with the decision of the President even if I am the principal author and a staunch advocate since the 16th Congress,” Gatchalian said in a statement. 

“Unfortunately,  the last minute insertion of Sen. Drilon to include the registration of social media providers is totally not in line with the essence of this bill. There is nothing in the bill specifying how to register such a broad environment (internet),” he added. 

According to Gatchalian, while the social media provision is “equally important”, it should have been studied further and filed as a separate bill.

In announcing the President’s move to veto the measure, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte noted that the inclusion of social media providers in the registration requirement “was not part of the original version of the bill and needs a more thorough study.”

“Prior versions only mandated the registration of SIM cards,” Andanar said in a statement. 

“The President similarly found that certain aspects of state intrusion, or the regulation thereof, have not been duly defined, discussed, or threshed out in the enrolled bill, with regard to social media registration,” he added.

INQUIRER.net has sought the comment of Drilon for this story but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time. 

READ: Duterte vetoes SIM Card Registration bill

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