STARTING today, December 27, all Filipinos and visiting foreign nationals who use a mobile phone and broadband SIM cards, whether prepaid or postpaid, are required to register with their respective network providers. 

Republic Act No. 11934, otherwise known as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, requires individuals who use SIM cards to take responsibility for their usage and ensure that they are not utilized in nefarious practices such as fraud and even terrorism.

All SIM cards for sale won’t operate unless the buyer provides the required documentation for activation. 

Current mobile subscribers, on the other hand, have until April 26, 2023 to register their SIMs to prevent these from being deactivated. Should the SIM Card holder fail to register this, the telecommunications provider will deactivate the SIM card. 

According to the law, the SIM Card user must upload the registration requirements online. Meanwhile, government agencies and public telecommunications entities will establish on-site registration facilities in rural areas with limited internet and telecommunications network access.

Where to register?

Philippine telco players Globe, Smart, and DITO have already put up their registration websites for their subscribers:

For Globe, TM, and Gomo SIM card users:

Globe Telecom Inc.: https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg

For Smart, Talk N Text, and Sun SIM card users:

Smart Communications Inc.: https://smart.com.ph/simreg

For DITO SIM Card users:

Dito Telecommunity: https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO

If a customer wants to buy a SIM card but cannot register physically with the direct seller, they may give someone else permission to register on their behalf as long as the following requirements are met: The representative should submit an original and true copy of any government ID with photos and a Special Power of Attorney that has been officially notarized.

How to register?

For new SIM card subscribers:

Starting December 27, all SIM cards will be sold in a “deactivated mode.” Users will be asked to register their SIM by providing the following information:

• Full name
• Date of Birth 
• Sex: 
• Address:
• Identification card and ID number:
• Mobile phone number of the SIM card and serial number:

Existing SIM card users:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Present/Official Address
• Type of ID presented
• ID number presented

Postpaid SIM card users:

In the case of postpaid SIM card subscribers, since their network providers have their data, they will just need to verify their SIM registration details with the telco to complete the registration.

Registration is free of charge.

What type of identification cards can be presented?

Under the measure, here are the following IDs or documents that could be submitted in enrolling the SIM card (any of the following):

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)

SIM card users who are minors

According to the law, if a minor intends to use a SIM card, the minor’s parents or guardians must give their full consent in written form and submit it to the telco firm with the registration form and a valid ID. Both the minor and guardians should present IDs. 

The minor will register under the name of their parent or legal representative, the law said.

Foreign nationals

Upon purchasing a SIM card, foreign nationals entering the Philippines must provide the following information: 

• 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

A SIM card with a 30-day validity term will be issued to foreign nationals who enter the country on a tourist visa; however, they may extend it by presenting a valid visa extension. According to the law, travelers with various types of visas can obtain SIM cards without the 30-day time frame.

Penalties

Under the law, the following penalties will be imposed on anyone who fails to register the SIM. 

• First offense: A fine running from P100,000 to P300, 000.00
• Second offense: A fine ranging from P300,000 to P500,000
• Third and subsequent offenses: a fine ranging from P500,000 of P1,000,000 (for every offense)

Those who attempt to register a SIM card using incorrect or fictitious information or who use false identities or fake IDs will face a prison sentence ranging from six months to two years and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P300,000.

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