Globe Telecom, one of the Philippines’ major telecommunications providers, has called for access to a validated government ID database to strengthen implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act. The company’s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the sale of pre-registered SIM cards and the need for more robust verification processes.
The request builds on earlier initiatives, including a September 2023 proposal by Senator Grace Poe to implement biometric verification for SIM registration. The SIM Card Registration Act (Republic Act 11934), enacted in October 2022, requires all mobile phone users to register their SIM cards or face deactivation.
Globe’s General Counsel, Atty. Froilan Castelo, emphasized that while the company has implemented strict registration protocols, including ID card verification and facial recognition, the lack of access to an official database makes it impossible to verify identities with complete certainty.
“We’ve invested in software for ID text reading and facial recognition to ensure we’re dealing with real people,” Castelo stated. “However, without a validated database to cross-reference identities, determined criminals can still exploit the system.”
The timing of Globe’s appeal coincides with recent developments in the Philippines’ digital identity infrastructure. The country launched a Digital National ID system with selfie-based onboarding in June 2024, and the Philippine Statistics Authority recently rebranded its digital identification system to boost adoption.
Globe has already taken several steps to enhance its registration process, including upgrading its platform with Optical Character Recognition capabilities in December 2023 and implementing mandatory selfie requirements. Despite these measures, the company reports that criminals continue to circumvent the system by using stolen identities to register SIM cards that are then sold to scammers.
The Presidential Communications Office has acknowledged existing loopholes in the current law, suggesting that in-person registration might become necessary. Additionally, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is considering implementing caps on the number of SIM cards an individual can register.
Under current law, the sale or purchase of pre-registered SIMs carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of six months to six years and fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000. However, enforcement remains challenging without a centralized verification system.
Sources: Maharlika TV, Business World, Sun Star
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March 3, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
