Senator Win Gatchalian hails the imminent passage into law of the SIM registration bill after it was passed on third and final reading in the Senate. The imminent law is expected to help curb cyber crimes such as identity theft and the proliferation of spam and phishing messages.
“SIM registration will enable authorities to establish the user’s identity if necessary and we expect this to address the rising incidence of crimes committed unabatedly due to lack of accountability in the use of SIM cards,” Gatchalian said.
With the registration of the SIM, it will be easy for authorities to track unscrupulous individuals who commit atrocities online, the senator emphasized. He also pointed out that major telecommunications companies, which often take the blame for certain cyber atrocities, have already said that SIM registration would substantially reduce the transmission of spam and phishing text messages.
Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 153 which seeks to eradicate SIM-aided terrorism and criminal activities. He emphasized that it is imperative to regulate the sale and distribution of SIMs to provide law enforcement agencies with tools that will assist them in resolving crimes and deterring the same.
For instance, enactment into law of the SIM registration bill could help address the issue of illegal loan and sale of mobile or e-wallet accounts. He said that cyber criminals usually make use of e-wallet accounts that are not registered under their names in undertaking criminal activities online. Such activities would be deterred by mandatory registration of SIM cards, he emphasized.
The measure would also bolster public confidence to engage in digital transactions and minimize the fear of encountering unscrupulous groups or individuals bent on committing cyber crimes through the use of untraceable SIM cards.
“Inaasahan natin na ang SIM registration ay makakabawas sa patuloy na paglaganap ng cybercrimes sa bansa at makakapigil sa mga taong gumagawa ng kasamaan para mambiktima sa ating mga kababayan,” Gatchalian added.
