A network of digital advocates rejected the idea of in-person SIM registration after the National Telecommunications Commission announced that it would be “studying” the possibility of implementing such a system.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo stated that in-person SIM card registration is nothing but an inconvenience for Filipinos, especially those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
“This proposal is completely out of touch with the realities on the ground. Who will facilitate the registration for SIM users in far-flung areas? What happens when a SIM is purchased from a neighborhood store or a convenience store? Will the public have to travel to urban centers just to register? Does this also mean that consumers will have to line up at telco business centers, where long queues are already common even without in-person SIM registration? We have already seen the inefficiencies of the current SIM registration process. In-person SIM registration will only be a burden to everyone and will unnecessarily increase costs for both the government and the public.”
Gustilo said that instead of requiring face-to-face registration, the government should focus on improving the SIM card registration system by implementing stronger verification measures to ensure that the registrant’s identity matches the submitted ID.
“The SIM registration system should be capable of detecting questionable registration attempts, such as mass registrations from a single device or location, or the use of falsified identification cards. Telcos, in partnership with the government, should also have the capability to detect fraudulent registrations in real time and flag suspicious patterns.”
Gustilo instead pushed for a crackdown on cybercriminals who illegally register, sell, or purchase SIMs.
“The government should strengthen law enforcement efforts against individuals and groups involved in purchasing and selling pre-registered SIMs, as there is no legitimate reason to buy or sell a pre-registered SIM other than to use it for illegal activities.”
Gustilo emphasized that ensuring the integrity of the SIM registry—keeping it secure from fake registrants, hackers, and other cybercriminals—is the responsibility of the government.
“Instead of burdening ordinary users, authorities should target organized groups behind identity theft and scams, including those linked to POGOs. Rather than making SIM registration an inconvenience, the government should enhance verification technology, enforce stricter compliance among telcos, and crack down on the real perpetrators of cyber fraud. The public has already done its part.”
