TRACKING The government is hoping to stop scams and track down criminals through a law mandating the registration of SIM for mobile phones. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — All SIM cards on sale will not work until the buyer submits the necessary documents for activation. Existing mobile subscribers have until April 26, 2023, to register their SIM cards to avoid deactivation.
Individual users must provide their full name, date of birth, gender, address, and valid government picture ID or similar documents. Valid IDs include passport, Philippine Identification Card, Social Security System ID, driver’s license, police clearance, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, voter’s ID, and senior citizen’s card.
Business users must provide their business name, business address, and the full name of an authorized signatory.
A visiting tourist needs to present a passport, proof of address in the Philippines, and a return ticket to his or her own country.
To register, subscribers should visit their respective telco’s registration websites:
• Globe Telecom Inc.: https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• Smart Communications Inc.: https://smart.com.ph/simreg
• Dito Telecommunity: https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO
A privacy notice will be made available on the platform or website explaining the details of the processing of personal data for the SIM register.
Failure or refusal to register SIM cards carry a penalty.
The fine for the first offense is of P100,000 to P300,000; for the second offense, P300,000 to P500,000; and for the third and subsequent offenses, P500,000 to P1,000,000.
Submitting false or fictitious information, identity, and identification documents for registration can result in imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.
Telcos, their agents, or employees, will be fined P500,000 to P4 million for breach of confidentiality — or when they directly or indirectly reveal subscribers’ data.
Those who sell stolen SIM cards also face imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.