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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian to text scammers: Your days are numbered

Gatchalian to text scammers: Your days are numbered

Published Nov 24, 2022 02:01 pm

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday, November 24 said he is now looking forward to see a significant reduction in the number of persons sending text scams and phishing messages.

Gatchalian noted the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law is now being fast-tracked for its immediate implementation.

“We have noticed that scam and phishing messages continue to proliferate even after the law was enacted,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“We are confident that we will soon see a significant reduction of these messages,” the senator further said.

The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law is expected to take effect by December 27.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will conduct a public hearing on December 5 with telecommunications providers in the country and other stakeholders to finalize the IRR of the law also known as Republic Act No. 11934.

Under the law, SIM cards are considered deactivated when sold and can only be activated upon registration wherein valid IDs are required to be presented. 

Gatchalian also said the registration of a SIM card using false or fictitious information, fictitious identities, as well the use of a SIM card in carrying out fraudulent activities will be subject to appropriate penalties.

The law also requires that telco subscribers with existing SIM cards to register with their respective telco providers within a given timeframe or they risk getting disconnected from their network.

Gatchalian, who co-authored the law, emphasized the law is expected to be a game-changer in arresting online scams and other cybersecurity threats.

“We are confident that the sense of accountability that this law will establish will deter online scams particularly those that are perpetuated with the use of SIM,” the lawmaker stressed.

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