On 10 October 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 11934, otherwise known as the "Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act". Its primary purposes are to provide law enforcement with an identification tool for resolving crimes and help combat spam and scam messages that have become a daily occurrence for many Filipinos. The legislation requires all users to register their SIM cards with their mobile network provider, providing personal information such as their name, address, and identification documents.
The registration of a SIM card, to which your national identity card or passport is linked, has become the norm in over 150 countries worldwide. While some people view it as a necessary measure to increase security and protection against spam and scam messages, others have raised concerns about its potential security risks. So how do we navigate this new law? We’ve narrowed it down for you to help you understand the hows and why’s behind it.
How to Register?
The registration process is quick and straightforward. It’s also FREE.
When you are about to register your SIM or your kids, please prepare the following information:
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Sex
- Address
- Type of government ID presented + ID number
- Government ID with photo
- A declaration that the information presented is true and correct
If you are a small business owner mama and are registering under a company name, the Authorized Representative should prepare the following information:
- Full name of the Authorized Representative
- Date of Birth
- Sex
- Nationality
- Company Name
- Company Address
- Type of Government ID presented + ID number
- Government ID with photo
- A declaration that the information presented is true and correct
- Certificate of Registration / DTI Registration
- Board Resolution / Proof of Authority designating the authorized representative OR a Special Power of Attorney.
Am I allowed to purchase a SIM card and register for my minor kids?
Yes, provided that the parent or legal guardian provides written consent with the registration form and valid ID of the minor and the parent. However, the SIM card should be under the name of the parent or legal guardian.
How long do we have to register our SIM cards?
All existing mobile phone and broadband subscribers are given until April 26, 2023 to register their SIMs with their respective telco.
If you’re unable to register your SIM before the deadline, the SIM will be deactivated permanently. When your SIM is deactivated, you’ll no longer be able to use your text, call, data, and other mobile services.
Can I register more than one SIM under my name?
The Department of Communications & Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission said there is no limit on the number of SIMs a user can register.
Will I stop receiving spam/scam messages after registration?
With the signing of Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, much hope is pinned on eliminating the scourge of spam texts. Though there is no 100% assurance that it will stop fraudulent texts, it is definitely one positive step toward improving the security and protection of mobile users in the Philippines.
What if my phone gets stolen including my SIM card?
For lost or stolen SIMs, users must inform their telco provider of the following details:
- Name
- Address
- Birthday
- Mobile number
- Other relevant and reasonable information that can fully establish ownership of the SIM
Telcos must render the SIM card unusable and be permanently deactivated upon the issuance of a new SIM to the verified user within 24 hours.
For more information, check out your TELCO’s websites.
Sources:
- https://www.globe.com.ph/register-sim-card.html#gref
- https://simreg.smart.com.ph/
- https://www.privacy.gov.ph/2022/12/npc-gathered-telcos-to-address-data-privacy-concerns-on-the-sim-card-registration-act/
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