A lot of users–particularly Globe subscribers–were annoyed by the use of emergency alerts to remind them about SIM registration. While Globe explained that the NDRMMC approved the use of emergency alerts to remind subscribers about SIM registration and to “instill urgency”, the NTC has a different sentiment.

“No, we do not encourage the telcos,” NTC deputy commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan told CNN Philippines’ The Source when asked about Globe using emergency alerts to inform people about SIM registration as part of the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act.

Under the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, the NDRRMC and other relevant government agencies can make use of telco networks to blast warnings and alerts during disasters and emergencies.

While there were no objections from the NDRMMC, Salvahan emphasized that the NTC did not give any clearance for telcos to use emergency alerts to remind people about SIM registration.

“We are just awaiting for the recommendation of our technical team so that the commission will know how to proceed properly on this issue,” Salvahan adds, elaborating that the issue has been forwarded to NTC’s technical team.

Currently, the SIM registration deadline has been moved by 90 days, with the new deadline being on July 25.