Gatchalian opposes in-person SIM registration requirement

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has opposed a proposal for in-person SIM registration, citing consumer inconvenience. He has called for a Senate inquiry into the rise of text scams, which affected over 600,000 people in 2024. Gatchalian highlighted the ongoing issue of text scams despite the SIM Registration Act, which was enacted to promote accountability in SIM usage. He noted warnings from the Department of Information and Communications Technology about illegal devices used by scammers. The SIM Registration Act, signed into law in 2022, aims to regulate SIM sales and usage to combat online crimes. However, concerns remain about its effectiveness, as illegal activities continue.