Poe seeks probe as text scams continue despite SIM registration law

Sen. Grace Poe | PHOTO: Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has filed a resolution seeking to investigate the continued spread of text scams and the use of SIM cards in alleged illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) despite the SIM Registration Act’s implementation.

In filing her Resolution No. 745, the senator said she aims to ensure that the objectives of the SIM Registration Act are being implemented.

“Almost a year since the law has passed and despite the termination of existing SIM registration, text scams and other mobile-related frauds continue to proliferate,” Poe pointed out in the resolution.

READ: Senator JV Ejercito’s complaint: ‘My son got scammed’ even after SIM registration

“Recent raids on Pogo establishments revealed that thousands of SIMs were used for illegal operations,” she added, citing a June 27 raid at a Pogo hub in Las Piñas City where more than 80,000 SIM cards were seized.

On August 2, the Department of Justice also said that 28,000 registered SIMs were confiscated in a Pogo facility in Pasay City.

READ: DOJ collaborating with telcos to combat SIM card scams after Pasay raid

The two raids happened after the July 25 deadline for the registration of SIMs which is part of the SIM Registration Act’s implementation in a bid to stop scams and fraudulent activities.

READ: 114 million SIM cards registered as mandatory listup ends

“The implementing agencies, telecommunication companies, and law enforcement agencies should explain how thousands of SIMs used in fraudulent operations were able to register and if they are registered using fictitious individuals or by willing victims who sell their identity,” Poe likewise said in the resolution.

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