SIM Registration Act is now a law. As anticipated, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Act, into law in Malacañang on Monday, October 10, 2022, in an effort to fight the proliferation of spam text messages and scams. This is the first law signed by PBBM. With that, here's what you need to know about the new law.
SIM Card Registration Act is now a law in the Philippines
RA 11934, or SIM Card Registration Act, will promote accountability in the use of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and track perpetrators of crimes perpetrated through mobile phones. It is a consolidation of bills from the House of Representatives (House Bill No. 14) and the Senate (Senate Bill No. 1310). This covers both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards.
Here are the key features of RA 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Act:
- The law requires telcos and direct sellers to ask for a valid ID (with a photo) first before selling SIM cards.
- Existing SIM subscribers would be required to register with their respective telcos 180 days from the effectivity of the Act, with an extension of 120 days upon a valid written request to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Failure to do so would result in the deactivation of the customer's SIM card. It can only be reactivated after registration.
- Information in the SIM card registration is confidential unless the user authorizes access.
- The use of false information, the use of fictitious identities, and the use of fraudulent documents or identifications to register a SIM will be dealt with by appropriate penalties.
- Telcos are tasked to maintain a database of their subscribers' information. Telco firms must submit a verified list of their authorized dealers and agents nationwide to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) with updates every quarter of the year.
- The measure directs telcos to disclose the full name and address of SIM card owners upon a duly issued subpoena or order from a court.
- Law enforcement agencies which conduct probes on crimes committed through mobile phones may also request telcos to ask for details of the SIM card's owner.
In April this year, former president Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte vetoed the SIM Card Registration Act due to mandatory social media registration.
To recall, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) has expressed its support for the law "to prevent the proliferation of various and evolving electronic communication-aided criminal activities."
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On the other hand, telcos Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and DITO have also expressed support for the law.
SIM Registration Requirements
Here are the details and documents needed when registering a SIM card.
During registration, a user would be required to provide the following information:
- Full name
- Complete address
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Mobile number of the SIM card and serial number
The registrant must also present both the original and a copy of any government-issued ID (with a photo), such as:
- Philippine National ID
- Passport
- Driver's License
- SSS ID
- GSIS ID
- UMID Card
- Senior Citizen's Card
- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Firearms License
- Voter's ID
- TIN ID
- PRC ID
- IBP ID
- OWWA ID
- PWD Card
- School ID (for minors)
- Other government-issued ID with photo
On the other hand, a person may purchase or register a SIM on behalf of another individual with a duly notarized Special Power of Attorney.
The principal and representative must present the original and a true and clear copy of any valid ID (with a photo).
In order to register a SIM for minors, the parent or legal guardian must submit written consent with the registration form and valid ID (with photo) of the minor and the parent or guardian.
Penalties
The fine for telecommunications companies that fail or refuse to register a SIM card without a valid reason ranges between PHP 100,000 and PHP 1,000,000.
A violation of confidentiality will incur a fine ranging from PHP 500,000 to PHP 4,000,000.
Six (6) months to two (2) years in prison and a maximum fine of PHP 300,000 await those who provide false information, fake identification, spoof a registered SIM, or sell a stolen SIM.
Via RTVM
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