Gatchalian opposes in-person appearance for SIM registration

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has opposed a proposal requiring an in-person appearance for SIM registration, saying it would be inconvenient for consumers, and called for a Senate inquiry into the proliferation of text scams. 

“Despite the implementation of SIM Registration Act, the proliferation of text scams continue to be a pervasive problem in the Philippines, with a total of 6,157,517 text scams and around 600,000 falling prey to such scams in 2024 alone,” Gatchalian said in proposed Senate Resolution 1324. 

In the proposed measure, the senator noted the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s warning about the use of text hijacking devices or counterfeit cell sites, known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers.

Citing the DICT, Gatchalian said these illegal and often-smuggled catchers trick mobile phones into connecting to fake networks, allowing scammers to send fraudulent SMS without being detected. 

“In view of the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building, there is a necessity to strengthen cybersecurity measures and put in place additional safeguards to combat the continuous proliferation of text scams in the country,” he said. 

In 2022, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure seeking the registration of Subscriber Identity Module, which aims to promote accountability in the use of SIMs.

The SIM Registration Act or Republic Act 11934 seeks to end crimes using the platform including text and online scams by regulating the sale and the use of SIMs through mandating registration to end-users.

In January, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed the belief that the SIM Card Registration Act is not that effective as POGO operations, which have been linked to illegal activities, have persisted. — BM, GMA Integrated News