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SIM registration starts Dec 27, how to register

by Jericho Zafra

STARTING December 27, all Filipinos and foreigners using mobile phone and broadband SIM cards — both prepaid and postpaid — should register with their respective network providers.

Failure to register all your SIM cards, the telecommunication provider will automatically deactivate it.

This is contained in the SIM Registration Act signed into law by President Marcos Jr. on October. It was the first law that he signed as chief executive.

Republic Act No 11934 also known as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act makes individuals who use SIM cards be accountable for its usage, and not be abused such scamming or even terrorism.

Yesterday, the National Telecommunications Commission has released the implementing rules and regulations, as a guide for telcos on implementing the registration.

All SIM cards should be registered on or before June 25 — or within six months or 180 days starting December 27.

Here’s how you can register:

For new SIM card users:

Starting December 27, all SIM cards will be sold in a “deactivated mode.” Users will be asked to register their SIM.

Old and new SIM card owners will be asked the following information:

  • Full name
  • Birthday 
  • Sex
  • Address
  • Identification card and ID number of a government-issued ID
  • Mobile phone number of the SIM card and serial number

Registration is free of charge.

What type of identification cards are needed?

Under the measure, any of the following IDs or documents should be submitted in enrolling the SIM card, as long as it is valid:

1. Driver’s License

2. Social Security Service/Government Service Insurance System (SSS/GSIS) Card

3. Passport

4. Senior Citizen’s Card

5. Person with Disabilities Card

6. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance

7. Police Clearance

8. Firearms License

9. Voter’s Identification Card

10. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

11. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Identification Card 

12. Government Office Identification Card

13. School Identification Card (in case the user is a minor)

Where to register?

The upkeep of the database for the registration falls within the purview of the telecommunications service providers, also known as public telecommunications entities (PTEs).

All requirements have to be uploaded online by the SIM card user.

The PTEs have yet to provide the websites for the registration. 

In case the users encounter problems with verification, they will be asked to present IDs in their respective PTEs.

Meanwhile, on-site registration facilities will be established by government agencies and PTEs in rural areas that have restricted access to internet and telecommunications networks.

A person who wants to purchase a SIM card but is unable to register physically with the direct seller may authorize someone to register on their behalf, provided that the following requirements are met: the representative should submit an original and a true copy of any government IDs with photos, as well as a Special Power of Attorney that has been officially notarized.

Minors

Under the law, if the person who intends to purchase a SIM card is a minor, the minor’s parents or guardians will be required to give their full permission in written form, and submit the same along with the registration form and valid ID card that include photos of both the minor and the parents or guardians to the telco company.

The minor’s registration will be under the name of his/her parent/guardian.

Foreign nationals

Personal information, as well as details from the person’s passport and address (including their address in the Philippines where they will be staying), must be provided by foreign nationals upon entry. 

  • Full name
  • Nationality
  •  Passport number
  •  Address in the Philippines

They must also provide any of the following documents:  

  • Passport
  • Proof of address in the Philippines
  • Return ticket or departure ticket (for tourists) 
  • Alien Employment Permit
  • ACRI-Card
  • School registration and ID (for students) 
  • Other supporting documents

Foreign nationals who come to the country on a tourist visa will be given a SIM card with a 30-day validity period that they can extend by presenting a visa extension that has been authorized. SIM cards can be obtained without the 30-day time frame by foreigners with various types of visas, according to the act.

Existing prepaid and postpaid SIM card subscribers

Existing subscribers of prepaid SIM cards are required to register with their network provider. 

In case the user does not register within the allotted time frame, their service provider will be permitted to automatically deactivate the services it provides to the existing prepaid SIM card subscriber.

The deactivated SIM card may only be reactivated five days after it was deactivated.

For postpaid SIM card subscribers, since their network providers have the user’s data, customers must verify their SIM register details on the telco’s platform or website to complete the registration.

Sanctions

Under the law, the following penalties will be imposed for anyone who violated any provision of the SIM Card Registration Act:

  • First offense: A fine of P300, 000.00
  • Second offense: A fine of P500,000
  • Third and subsequent offenses: a fine of P1,000,000 (for every offense)

Any direct seller who violates the law will face suspension and a fine of P5,000 to P50,000, it said.

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