DILG-CAR seeks LGU assistance in SIM card registration drive

Baguio City, Philippines – The local government units in Cordillera are called upon by the regional Department of the Interior and Local Government to lend a hand in the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act.

Signed into law on Oct. 10, 2022, by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Republic Act No. 11934, or SIM Registration Act aims to make end users accountable for their usage of mobile communications by mandating SIM registration.

The registration takes effect today, Dec. 27.

The LGUs should take the lead in educating the public on the significance and requirements of the new law, says the Regional Director of DILG-CAR Araceli San Jose.

"I urge all of our LCEs to make every effort to promote responsible SIM card use, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration, and guide them through the entire registration process," she said in a press release.

Punong Barangays, especially in remote areas are likewise encouraged to set up registration centers to assist their constituents in processing necessary documents.

The SIM Registration Act will assist the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies in combating the country's rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities such as mobile phishing, text spam, online scams, bank frauds, and identity theft, added RD San Jose.

Unregistered SIM Cards to be deactivated

Under the implementing rules and regulations released by the National Telecommunications Commission, all existing SIM subscribers are required to register with their respective public telecommunication entities within 180 days from the effectivity of the act. The registration may be extended for a period not exceeding 120 days.

Failure to comply with the said registration will result in the deactivation of a user’s SIM. A SIM may only be reactivated after registration, provided that it will be made not later than five days of “such automatic deactivation.”

SIM Card Registration

End users shall accomplish virtually the platforms provided by the SIM card providers to register.

For DITO subscribers, they may access https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO; https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg for Globe/TM/Gomo subscribers; and https://smart.com.ph/simreg for Smart/TNT/Sun subscribers.

Registrants need to submit their full name, date of birth, sex, present or official address, type of identification card, and identification card number presented. For the list of accepted government-issued identification cards and other details concerning the act, you may access http://bitly.ws/xPKb.

Minors, juridical, foreign national end users

Minor SIM users must provide any of the government-issued IDs along with the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian to register the SIM.

On the other hand, juridical entity end users will be asked to submit their business name, business address, and their full name, and authorized signatory. Additionally, they must submit a certificate of registration. For corporations, they are required to submit a duly adopted resolution designating the authorized representative, while in the case of juridical entities, a special power of attorney.

Foreign national end users, meantime, will be tasked to submit their full name, nationality, date of birth, passport, address in the Philippines, and ID number.

Penalties

Under the implementing rules and regulations, the provision of false information or usage of fake identity to register a SIM may result in imprisonment ranging from six months to two years or a fine not less than P300,000 or both.

The sale of a registered SIM is further prohibited. It has a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to six years or a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 or both.

“Any public telecommunication entity, its agents, resellers, or entity that shall engage in the sale of stolen SIMs shall be criminally liable under the Act,” the IRR read. This will result in a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, or a fine not less than P100,000 but not more than P300,000.

A fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P4,000,000 will likewise be imposed upon public telecommunication entities, their agents, or employees if a breach of confidentiality occurs.

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