Massive drop in complaints vs. text scams recorded with SIM registration — NTC

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13) — The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said the number of reports about text scams, which plagued Filipino mobile users in 2022, has plunged by over 90% after the implementation of SIM registration.

“Agad napansin po ng NTC na simula nang maipatupad itong batas, mula 1,500 na complaints tungkol sa text scam, bumaba na po agad ito to 100 complaints a day, at wala pa po tayo sa deadline ng April 26,” NTC Legal Branch Officer-in-Charge Atty. Andres Castelar, Jr. said in a statement over the weekend.

[Translation: The NTC immediately noticed that since the implementation of this law, from 1,500 complaints about the text scam, it has immediately dropped to 100 complaints a day, and we have yet to reach the April 26 deadline.]

SIM registration started on Dec. 27, 2022 and will run until April 26, but officials earlier hinted at a possible extension of the deadline.

As of March 9, more than 42.7 million SIM cards had already been registered, or 25.24% of the 168 million active mobile subscribers.

The government and telco players have been ramping up efforts to increase SIM registrations, particularly in remote areas. Last week, the NTC launched an assistance and information campaign in Malabon City to encourage subscribers, including senior citizens, to register their SIMs.

Castelar assured the public that personal data is protected under the law.

“The telecom providers are the custodians of the SIM Register and the law provides harsh penalties for intentional disclosures of SIM registration data or breaches caused by negligence,” he said.