Remulla warns vs use of fake info to register SIM
JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has reminded the public to refrain from providing false information during the registration of their SIM (subscriber identity modules) cards.
Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11934 (SIM Registration Act), the penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to two years or a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P300,000, or both, shall be imposed upon anyone who provides false or fictitious information or who uses a fictitious identity or fraudulent identification documents to register a SIM.
“.. dont sell or transfer your registered SIMs, use false or fictitious information or use fictitious identities or present fraudulent IDs to register your SIM as these acts are violations of the law and will have corresponding penal sanctions, ” Remulla said.
On the other hand, Remulla likewise reminded telecommunications companies of their duties to safeguard the personal information provided by mobile-phone end users.
“The success in the implementation of this law lies squarely on your shoulders and you have a duty to fulfill as well as a responsibility to the public who will be entrusting their data and information to you. This government will be vigilant so that data in your SIM Registers are secured and protected at all times and shall comply with the minimum information security standards prescribed by the DICT, consistent with internationally-accepted cybersecurity standards and relevant laws, rules, and regulations.”
Meanwhile, Remulla has assured the public that RA 11934 will not be used for state surveillance, red tagging, or other illegal purpose.
Remulla made the assurance during a recent mutlti-agency briefing with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), following the implementation of RA 11934.
“..the collection of data by the telcos will be under stringent regulatory oversight and monitoring of concerned government agencies so the public can be assured that their data and information will be safeguarded, ” Remulla said.
Under the new law, mobile-phone end users must register their SIM card within 180 days to avoid having their SIM deactivated.
If there are still many unregistered subscribers once the 180 days have lapsed, DICT may order an extension for another 120 days.
After the extension, all unregistered SIM cards will be automatically deactivated.
These are the valid government-issued identification (ID) cards or other similar forms of documents with a photo needed to verify the identity of the end-user: Passport, Philippine Identification Card, Social Security Service, Government Service Insurance System e-card, driver’s license, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, police clearance, Firearms’ License to Own and Possess ID, Professional Regulation Commission ID, Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Development ID, Bureau of Internal Revenue ID, Voters’ ID, and senior citizens’ ID, among others.
