A network of digital advocates urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology to fix and resolve issues concerning the SIM registration process after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the 90-day extension of the SIM registration.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the DICT should maximize the extension period to reevaluate the implementation of the SIM registration.
“We have seen numerous unresolved issues during the registration period. DICT should look at the difficulties experienced by the public and adjust to the reality on the ground.”
Gustilo said that the absence of physical registration hubs in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), lack of valid identification cards and technological gap are the reasons for the low turnout of SIM registrants and should be given ample solution by the DICT.
“DICT should consider coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government and mobilize physical registration teams at the barangay level. They should be accompanied by duly authorized representatives of telecommunication companies to provide assistance to subscribers experiencing registration difficulties.”
Gustilo said that while the deadline has been extended, if there is no significant improvement in the registration process and mechanisms, suspending its implementation should still remain on the table.
“Suspending the implementation of the SIM registration should still be on the table in case there is no significant improvements in the process and mechanisms and if the numbers don’t improve. The government should always first assume that the unregistered SIMs are being used and that the paramount thought is to ensure that no subscriber will be disenfranchised.”