A group of digital advocates urged the national government to further intensify the strategies and operations against internet fraud and text scams instead of focusing too much on revising the SIM Registration Act.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo stressed that the key to effectively implementing the intent of the SIM Registration Act is through strict enforcement, especially that text scams and other cyber offenses are still prevalent almost two years after it was signed.

"In the end, law enforcement agencies should be well-equipped and be able to do their job with regard to SIM-based offenders because even if the law is strong, but without proper enforcement, it will be nothing,” said Gustilo.

Gustilo was reacting to the call of the Department of Information and Communications Technology for a review of the SIM Registration Act, noting that it needs an update as scammers found new ways to execute their crimes.

According to the Philippine National Police, the number of cybercrimes increased by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

But Gustilo explained that suspected internet felons have obviously exploited the emergence of the cutting-edge technology by operating above SIM-based platforms, like the OTT  Apps such as Telegram, Viber, Messenger and Signal. 

This was also revealed by DICT Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso who earlier said that scammers are now using internet-based messaging platforms for crimes like Viber and Messenger, among others, and are also using foreign sims.

Gustilo then advised the government to expand its fighting arena to virtual messaging platforms, as scammers also use messaging scams to evade SIM registration. 

"While it may not be covered by the SIM registration law, the government should prepare so that it will be addressed before it becomes a full-blown crisis like spam and scam texts all over again,” Gustilo said.