The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered mobile network operators to verify subscribers with more than 100 SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards registered under one name, as part of efforts to curb scams and other illegal activities.
Operators have 15 days upon receiving the memorandum order to conduct know-your-client checks and determine whether these subscribers retain possession and control of their SIM cards and use them for legitimate purposes.
SIM cards whose registered owners cannot establish continued possession, control and legitimate use must be deactivated, the NTC said.
The agency also warned that selling or transferring registered SIM cards without following registration requirements is a criminal offense under Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Registration Act.
Violators face six months to six years in prison, a fine of P100,000 to P300,000, or both.
NTC Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said affected subscribers seeking to reverse deactivation must present proper identification proving that the SIM cards are registered in their names.
The measure targets the misuse of telecommunications services by organized scam groups, individual scammers and operators of SMS blasters, which can send fraudulent text messages.
It also seeks to address financial fraud covered by the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and deceptive business offers, following Philippine National Police concerns about scams related to El Niño.
The NTC clarified that the SIM Registration Act does not limit how many SIM cards an individual may register. Subscribers with more than 100, however, must undergo verification to establish legitimate ownership and use.
The agency urged the public to ensure that SIM cards they personally use, particularly those linked to banking applications, online communication platforms and mobile payment services, are registered in their own names.
Legitimate subscribers who have properly registered their SIM cards and use them lawfully are not the targets of the measure, the NTC said.
