Senator eyes amendments to SIM registration law

ONLINE FRAUD. Various devices allegedly used for online fraud were discovered by authorities during an ocular inspection led by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga last June 24, 2024. On Monday (Aug. 12, 2024), Gatchalian said, despite the enactment of the SIM Registration Law, perpetrators still use SIMs in conducting fraudulent transactions. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Gatchalian/FB)

By Brian Jules Campued

With the widespread use of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards for fraud and scamming purposes, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is considering amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 11934 or SIM Registration Law.

According to Gatchalian, despite the enactment of the measure, law enforcers continue to discover registered SIMs, cellphones, computers, and pocket Wi-Fi devices—especially among Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)—used in various forms of online fraud, such as love scams and cryptocurrency scams.

Signed into law in October 2022, RA 11934 aims to deter the use of SIM-related technology in various illegal or scamming activities.

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban all POGOs, Gatchalian stressed the need to identify the perpetrators who unlawfully use registered SIMs in illegal activities to help legislators evaluate and strengthen relevant laws and policies.

“It is incumbent upon the government to safeguard unwary or unsuspecting Filipinos from any harm caused by fraudulent activities facilitated by cybercriminals, including POGO operations that serve as scam hubs to commit crimes,” the senator said.

Gatchalian also raised the possibility that “POGOs may still operate clandestinely” despite the total ban.

Among the changes the lawmaker eyes are the limiting the number of SIMs allowed to be registered per user as well as the regulation of short-message-service (SMS) marketing, promotional, political, or fundraising.

Gatchalian has already filed a Senate resolution seeking to investigate the use of SIMs in illegal POGO activities.

Popular

PBBM discusses eGovPH app benefits, commuter-centric transport, and online gambling in podcast

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored his administration’s continued push for digital transformation in the government and the importance of transportation that...

PH secures 18 business deals with India during PBBM visit

By Brian Campued On the heels of the New Delhi leg of his state visit to India, which saw the signing of key agreements, including...

PBBM reaffirms PH commitment to international law in fostering regional peace

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday cautioned against calling all competing maritime disputes on the South China Sea equal, as he...

PBBM pushes for PH trade pact with India

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is “ready to act” and will work closely with its Indian business...