By Bea Rollo
(February 27, 2025) — Malacañang is open to revisiting and amending existing laws on SIM card registration and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) to address emerging concerns, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Usec. Claire Castro said on Wednesday.
In a press conference, the concern was raised after Sen. Risa Hontiveros sounded the alarm over the resurgence of illegal POGOs two months after the government-mandated ban, coinciding with a rise in text scams despite the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act.
Castro acknowledged issues with online SIM registration, noting that scammers have found ways to exploit loopholes.
She suggested that requiring in-person registration, similar to driver’s license applications, could prevent fraudulent registrations.
“‘Yung batas patungkol sa SIM card registration, ito po ay isang dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon pa po ng mga text scams. Dapat po ito ay masuri muli, para maging epektibo ang batas na ito” Castro said, adding that unregistered SIM cards are often sold to criminal syndicates.
She also cited an incident where a monkey was able to register a SIM card online, highlighting flaws in the current system.
“We have not yet talked about that [amendments on law of POGO, SIM cards] but as a lawyer, kailangan magkaroon ng amyenda. Dapat personal na pumupunta. Kakayanin natin marehistro nang tama ang SIM cards na ito para maiwasan ang scams.”
On Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGOs), Castro said the government is willing to review policies if necessary.
“Paiigtingin at pag-aaralan pa po nating mabuti kung ano pa ang dapat gawin…mabilisan pong aksyon ito dahil hindi po talaga dapat nananatili rito ng mga ilegal na operasyon ng POGO,” Castro said.
Almost two months after the POGO ban took effect, Hontiveros warned of a resurgence of illegal operations, urging strict enforcement and immediate government action.
While the Marcos administration is pushing for 95% digitalization of government transactions, Castro clarified that SIM registration is a separate issue requiring stricter implementation to prevent abuse.
The Palace vowed to work with agencies to study amendments that would strengthen laws against text scams and illegal gambling operations.
(With reports from Maricel Halili, News5)
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