We recently reported that the SIM card registration law has become official and the next step would be issuing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said in a briefing that the NTC is currently busy with the IRR of Republic Act 11934.
“[RA 11934] will require 15 days to be effective after its publication in the Official Gazette. So, once na mangyari po iyon, iyong IRR ay mailalabas po ng NTC within 60 days ,” Uy said.
He explained that the IRR aims to clarify and expound what the new law will entail, such as penalties, rules, and procedures to follow.
For violation penalties, he stated that “Katulad ng violation ng mga data privacy ay may kaukulang penalty, I think if I’m not mistaken, from PHP500,000 to PHP4 million.”
As for registration, Uy has said that users will be given 160 days to register their SIM cards after the official release of the IRR. Failure to comply with the registration will terminate the user’s mobile service.
“Wala pong multa. Puputulin lang ang linya nila,” he said.
As for everyone wondering how the registration will go about, Uy has said that online registration is the necessary option given that over 150 million prepaid SIM cards have been issued by the NTC at present.
Users will have no limit on the amount of SIM cards they wish to register under their name as long as necessary documents are provided.
“Ang importante po is iyong SIM card ay properly identified iyong owner. Kasi alam na po natin na hindi naman po sa lahat ng lugar ay may signal po ang bawat telco,” he said.
The DICT secretary also suggested that users with no valid ID’s to secure an ID from PhilHealth, SSS, or PhilPost.
For individuals with no valid IDs such as a driver’s license or passport, he suggested securing an ID from PhilHealth, SSS, or PhilPost for their ease and fast issuance. After all, it is everyone’s responsibility to secure a valid identification for one’s self.
