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'Extortion and exploitation': House leader hits SIM card sellers asking for 'registration fee'

Philippines | National

'Extortion and exploitation': House leader hits SIM card sellers asking for 'registration fee'

By Ellson Quismorio

SIM cards

Beware of SIM card sellers who are reportedly charging a "registration fee" from consumers rushing to comply with the SIM card registration deadline this Wednesday, April 26. Thus, said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co on Tuesday, April 25. "It is unacceptable for these SIM card sellers to take advantage of the situation by charging additional fees for SIM card registration. This is a clear case of extortion and exploitation of consumers," Co said of the modus operandi. "I call on the public to be vigilant and report any form of abuse and exploitation to the proper authorities," said the second-term solon. SIM stands for subscriber identity module. SIM cards are used to avail of network services on electronic devices such as mobile phones. Republic Act (RA) No.11934 set the SIM card registration window between Dec.Â 27, 2022 and April 26, 2023. Co is urging the public to take advantage of the free SIM card registration services being offered by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in their area. With the deadline for SIM card registration just around the corner, Rep. Co believes that it is crucial for consumers to register their SIM cards without having to pay any additional charges or fees. "Consumers should not be forced to pay extra fees for SIM card registration. They should not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous SIM card sellers who are trying to profit from the situation. The DICT is offering free SIM card registration services, and I encourage the public to take advantage of them," Co underscored.

Related Tags

SIM CARD REGISTRATION LAW Ako Bicol party-list zaldy co

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