Extend SIM card registration deadline, DICT urged
A lawmaker called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to extend the SIM card registration for an additional 120 days after the April 26 deadline.
Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario said the DICT can invoke Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11934, which authorizes the agency to extend registration.
Almario is proposing to extend it until August 24, 2023.
The solon is one of the authors of the measure and was a member of the bicameral committee that finalized the House and Senate versions of the bill.
He recalled that they foresaw the possibility of a low registry turnout, particularly to those living in far-flung areas. That’s why they specifically put the 120-day extension provision.
With the April 26 deadline fast approaching and given the low 36.79 percent SIM registry turnout declared by DICT, Almario says the agency must now set the final and non-extendable deadline.
“This is to push it and all stakeholders to properly assess, plan, and come up with more effective strategies to improve registration in the next four months,” he said.
“Let us be reminded that R.A. 11934 aims to provide safer online space for the Filipino people. Ensuring that a wider expanse of SIM card users is aware of the benefits of this law will fast-track its successful implementation, curb wireless technology-aided criminal activities, and, ultimately, promote public safety,” he added.
The Mindanaoan solon pointed out that after the 120-day extension, the existing and currently used SIM cards will automatically be deactivated, which will then technically compel unregistered SIM card users either to buy new cards or to have their cards re-activated. A more difficult process for ordinary working Filipinos.
The solon also urged Public Telecommunications Entities or PTEs to intensify the information campaign among their existing subscribers.
Reminding them that along with the DICT, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Department of Education (DEPED).
The PTEs are responsible for ensuring that facilities are established in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access to comply with the SIM card registration law. RA 11934, or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, was signed into law on October 10, 2022.
