The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to review the SIM Registration Act, considering stricter rules including mandatory in-person registration.

In a statement, the commission cited persistent text scams despite the law's enforcement, prompting the review.

Proposals include requiring personal appearances for SIM registration, similar to processes for driver's licenses and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances.

The existing law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, carries penalties of up to six years in prison and a P300,000 fine.

Meantime, Globe, one of the country's largest telecommunications companies, criticized the proposed amendment.

"The very essence of universal access is to provide connectivity to all Filipinos at the lowest possible price and the easiest way to get it. Requiring face to face registration will defeat this principle," said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe's General Counsel.

Castelo also expressed concern that requiring in-person registration would disproportionately affect rural residents due to travel distances. He also questioned the feasibility of deputizing local government units for enforcement, citing their potential lack of expertise.

The Palace, through the Presidential Communications Office, previously indicated openness to amending the law, with Undersecretary Claire Castro stressing the need for a review to enhance its effectiveness, including the possibility of in-person registration.

The SIM Registration Act (Republic Act 11934) aims to curb scams by requiring registration of SIM cards, preventing criminals from using unregistered numbers for fraudulent activities.