A consumer advocacy group joined calls to extend the registration period for SIM cards in the Philippines, which will end on April 26.
CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor former Rep. Kit Belmonte said as many telco subscribers as possible need to be registered to prevent breaches of privacy, the proliferation of text scams, and other forms of fraud that continue to victimize unsuspecting consumers.
“We need to get the message across to more people that they need to register their prepaid SIM cards,” Belmonte said. “These are times when we take for granted the ease with which we use mobile devices, but we also need accountability for their responsible use.”
The SIM Card Registration Act was signed into law in October 2022.
According to the law, those who have SIMS have 180 days from the start of the law’s effectivity to register their numbers with the National Telecommunications Commission through their mobile service providers. That initial deadline falls on April 26, which is next week.
The registration period, however, may be extended by the DICT for another 120 days as it deems necessary.
“Let us take advantage of the provision for extension in the law and give all the opportunity for consumers to register,” said Belmonte. “Many find it difficult to comply with identification requirements so alternatives like office or school IDs should be considered.”