Inquiry into SIM card law implementation sought amid persistent text scams

MANILA, Philippines — A senator filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the implementation of the SIM Registration Act as text scams continue to proliferate almost a year since the measure was enacted.

The SIM Registration Act, which was signed in October 2022, aims to curb scams and hasten law enforcement in investigating phone-related crimes. Critics of the measure, however, say this could lead to data breaches and privacy violations

In filing Senate Resolution 745, Sen. Grace Poe said the public continues to receive text scams and other mobile-related fraud even after the end of SIM card registration on July 25. 

She also noted that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators use SIM cards for illegal operations. 

“The registration of SIM should help unmask fraudsters and deny them of sanctuary to hide. But, are these being achieved?” said Poe, who was the principal author and sponsor of the law. 

“Reports that thousands of registered SIMs seized are being used as a tool for scamming and other cyber fraud raise questions about the effective implementation of the law,” she added. 

The senator said the implementing agencies, telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies should explain how SIM cards used in fraudulent operations were able to be registered.

The number of registered SIM cards reached 105.92 million a day before the July 25 deadline. This represents only 63% of the total 168.02 million subscribers across the three public telecommunication entities. — Gaea Katreena Cabico