A group called on the government to expand its campaign against internet fraud and text scams, saying the proper enforcement of laws is key to curbing SIM-based crimes.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo issued the statement as he noted that text scams and other cyber offenses remain prevalent almost two years after Republic Act 11934, otherwise known as the SIM Card Registration Act, was signed.
Gustilo said law enforcement agencies should be well-equipped and able to do their job with regard to SIM-based offenders.
“Even if the law is strong, without proper enforcement, it will be nothing,” he pointed out.
Gustilo said online scammers are now able to exploit technology by operating above SIM-based platforms, such as Telegram, Viber, Messenger and Signal.
He called on the government to expand its “fighting arena to virtual messaging platforms” as online criminals also use messaging scams to evade SIM registration.
“While it may not be covered by the SIM registration law, the government should prepare so that it will be addressed before it becomes a full-blown crisis like spam and scam texts all over again,” Gustilo added.
Based on data from the Philippine National Police, the number of cybercrimes increased by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) likewise called for a review of the SIM Registration Act, pointing out the law needs to be updated as scammers find new ways to execute their crimes.
DICT spokesman Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso said scammers are now using internet-based messaging platforms for crimes like Viber and Messenger, among others, and are also using foreign SIMs.
The House of Representatives is currently conducting a hearing to review the law.
Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senator Grace Poe earlier questioned the National Telecommunications Commission for failing to curb text scams and tasked the agency to intensify its fight against scams.
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