File photo of SIM cards. (AFP photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs), especially those in remote areas, should lead the information drive regarding Republic Act No. 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement on Monday that LGUs are responsible for letting their constituents know about the need to register SIM cards and where they can avail of registration services as the government prepares to roll out the law.
R.A. No. 11934 was signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos last October in response to crack down on phishing attempts and other scams sent through text messages of unidentified SIM Cards. According to DILG, the law would help the government fight cybercrime in the country.
READ: Bongbong Marcos signs SIM Card Registration Act
“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” he said.
“Together with the LGUs, DILG will cooperate with DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) and the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) to fast-track the establishment of registration facilities in geographically-isolated areas, which should be done within 60 days after December 27,” he added.
Abalos explained that people, especially in hard-to-reach locales and areas with poor signal reception, would need the help of LGUs to register their SIM cards, hence the need for registration centers in public areas like city halls.
“We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication, so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” the DILG chief said.
Under the law, all existing SIM card users must register their number to their name by submitting requirements — personal details, identification cards, business names, and other information — on a website provided by the telecommunication company that provided the SIM Card.
Non-registration would eventually lead to the SIM Card being deactivated.
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However, since an internet connection would be needed to access websites, it may pose a problem in provinces and localities with connectivity issues.
Abalos said it is important that the law is implemented properly because it would ensure accountability from telcos and SIM Card users, as government agencies like the Philippine National Police can address the text scams.
Abalos also pleaded with parents to register the SIM Cards used by their minor children to safeguard the youth from scrupulous individuals.
“To our parents and guardians, let us help each other in this endeavor to safeguard minors. Magtulungan po tayo upang masiguro na hindi sila mabibiktima ng mga panloloko online,” he said.
(Let us help each other in ensuring that young people would not be deceived by scammers online.)
“I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years,” he added.