Make SIM registration as ‘easy as texting,’ Poe says; Gatchalian warns vs GCash scam

File photo of SIM cards. | AFP photo

MANILA, Philippines — Make registering subscriber identity modules (SIMs) as “easy as texting,” Senator Grace Poe told the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and telecommunication firms on Monday.

The SIM registration is set to start on December 27.

“The SIM registration should be as easy as texting or sending a message,” Poe, principal author and sponsor of the SIM Registration law, said in a statement.

“Telcos should have portals for registration that are user-friendly and secure to encourage mobile users to enlist without hassle and interruption of services,” she added.

Poe likewise said that registration should be inclusive to people in need of assistance such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, minors, pregnant, and those without internet connection.

Huge and constant information drive must also be conducted to urge subscribers to register their SIM and assure them of their data’s safety, the Senate panel on public services chairperson added.

“We can reap the SIM Registration law’s full potential with an effective implementation, and we must do it together as a nation,” she said.

Beware of scams

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned the public of a GCash scam a day before the SIM registration rollout.

Gatchalian explained that a fraudulent email, seemingly from GCash Promotions, informs recipients that their transactions have been restricted and recipients have to click a link to pre-register to reinstate the said feature.

GCash confirmed the scheme as a scam.

“Ipinaglaban natin ang pagsasabatas ng SIM registration sa nakalipas na maraming taon dahil gusto nating protektahan ang mga gumagamit ng SIM laban sa panloloko ng cyber criminals,” Gatchalian, co-author of the SIM Registration bill, said in a separate statement.

(We fought for making SIM registration a law in the past years because we want to protect SIM users from cyber criminals.)

“Kailangan nating abisuhan ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat nang husto laban sa mga sari-saring pambibiktima ng mga kawatan,” he continued.

(We need to advise our fellow citizens to be vigilant against these thieves.)

The SIM Registration law seeks to curb scams conducted through text and online messages.

Under the law, mobile subscribers must register their SIMs within 180 days from December 27. The registration may be stretched for a period not more than 120 days.

If a user fails to register his/her SIM, it will be deactivated. It may be reactivated after registering, but not later than five days after deactivation.

For postpaid subscribers, they should confirm their information and data registered to the telecommunications company.

Individuals who will provide false information to register a SIM will be imprisoned or fined.

JMS/abc