Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy (File photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Failure to register a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card will affect the existing e-wallets, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) warned days before the mandatory SIM card registration ends.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy on Friday said individuals who wish to keep their money in their e-wallets, and refuse to register their SIM cards, should contact their e-wallet providers.
“Kausapin nila ang e-wallet providers kung paano maisasauli ang pera,” he urged the public through an interview over DWPM Radyo 630.
(They should talk with e-wallet providers about getting their money back.)
“Maaaring bumili sila ng bagong SIM card. Magparehistro sila, at kausapin nila ang e-wallet provider na ilipat ang pera doon [sa e-wallet na konektado] sa bagong SIM card nila,” said Uy.
(They can buy a new SIM card. They should register and talk with their e-wallet provider to transfer the money to the e-wallet connected to their new SIM card.)
“Hassle nga. Mas madaling magparehistro na lang sila,” he suggested.
(It’s a hassle. It will be easier for them just to register.)
Based on the SIM Registration Act, all existing SIM cards must be registered with telecommunication companies.
Failure to do so will result in deactivating a user’s SIM, said DICT.
DICT extended the SIM card registration period from April 25 to a new deadline of July 25.
Asked if this will still be extended again, Uy said no.
“Wala [nang extension]. The end na. July 25. Hindi na magagamit [ang SIMs na hindi mai-re-register],” he said.
(There is no more extension. It is the end. July 25. Unregistered SIMs can no longer be used.)
Uy also reported there are now around 103 million registered SIM cards nationwide.
This figure surpassed the department’s initial target of 100 million registrants.
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