Tired of scammers and spam messages? Fortunately, the Philippines now has a law that attempts to curb crimes perpetuated through SMS. The SIM Card Registration Act, otherwise known as the Republic Act No. 11934, finally took effect on 27 Dec 2022.
Under the SIM Card Registration Act, all mobile users must register their numbers to avoid the deactivation of their cards. Originally, mobile users had until 26 Apr 2023 to register. Fortunately, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) extended the deadline to 25 Jul 2023.
The extension was called for because of the low registration count. Telcos shared that most users were not able to register because of the lack of valid government IDs. Additionally, the deadline extension for SIM card registration comes with a catch: Unregistered subscribers will have limited services until they complete the registration process. This means that unregistered SIM card holders may lose access to social media or calls.
Also read: How to Report Spam Messages to Globe and Smart
What to know about the SIM Card Registration Act
Every SIM card holder, regardless if new or existing, is required to register their SIM cards with their respective telco provider. Registering your SIM card is completely free.
Also read: How to Avoid Phishing and Other Bank Scams in the Philippines
How to register your SIM card
New or existing prepaid users
If you are an existing prepaid user, you must register by 25 Jul 2023. Unregistered SIM cards may automatically be deactivated but may be reactivated within five days of deactivation.
Meanwhile, you will be considered a new SIM card user if you purchase a SIM card starting 27 Dec. All SIM cards sold from this date will be in “deactivated mode.” Users can only use it after registering through the online registration form provided by the telco provider.
1. Visit the SIM registration website for Globe, Smart, or DITO users.
2. Type in your 10-digit mobile number.
3. Enter the one-time password (OTP) you received on your mobile phone.
4. Fill in the required fields:
- Full name
- Birthday
- Sex
- Present or official address
5. Upload any valid government-issued ID. The following IDs are accepted:
- Passport
- Philippine Identification System ID
- SSS ID
- GSIS ID
- Driver’s license
- NBI clearance
- Police clearance
- Firearms’ license to own and possess ID
- PRC ID
- IBP ID
- OWWA ID
- BIR ID
- Voter’s ID
- Senior citizen card
- UMID
- PWD card
6. Agree with the Privacy Notice, Attestation of Completeness and Accuracy, Marketing and Promotional Permission, and Data Sharing.
7. Click “Submit” or “Next” to complete the registration process.
8. Save the reference number for proof of registration.
Postpaid subscribers
If you are a postpaid subscriber, you must still confirm your information and data through the online registration form provided by the telco provider.
Minors
Users under the age of 18 will have to register their SIM cards under the name of their parent or guardian. They must present a valid ID and proof of consent from their authorised guardian.
Businesses or organisations
If you are using the SIM card for a business, you will need to present the following:
- Business name
- Business address
- Full name of authorised signatory
Foreigners
Foreigners also need to register their SIM cards. You will be asked to provide the following details:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport
- Address in the Philippines
- Type of travel or admission document presented
- ID number or number of the document presented
Note: If you hold a tourist visa, your SIM card will only be valid for 30 days. You may request an extension if your visa also extends.
What to do if you lose your SIM card
If you lose your SIM card, immediately report it to your respective telco. You will be asked for the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Mobile subscriber number
- Other relevant and reasonable information
Penalties for violations
If you don’t register your SIM card, you will face the following penalties:
- First offence: Fine from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000
- Second offence: Fine from ₱300,000 to ₱500,000
- Third and subsequent offence: Fine from ₱500,000 to P1,000,000 for every offence
Selling or transferring your registered SIM card without first complying with the registration requirement, or providing false information to register your SIM card, warrants imprisonment for six months to two years or/and a fine from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000.
Moreover, if you use your registered SIM card to spread inaccurate information to defraud, you will face imprisonment of no less than six years, or/and a fine of ₱200,0000.
Also read: Spot Bank Fraud Fast: 10 Signs You’re Talking to a Bank Scammer
Have you registered your SIM card yet? Let us know about your experience in the comments section!
