DOJ backs move to register SIM cards

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 10 years ago

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has supported the proposal for the registration of pre-paid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards to require telecommunication companies to keep and maintain registry or database of buyers of the electronic cards.

In a two-page legal opinion made public Monday, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said it is within the power of Congress to enact laws that are for public good, prioritizing public safety and welfare over business interest and personal comfort.

In fact, De Lima said, such proposal, once it becomes a law, will be very helpful for law enforcement agencies in tracking down criminals.

“We interpose no legal or constitutional objection to the proposed bills, which aim, generally to aid law enforcement agencies in tracking down criminal perpetrators who would use mobile phones to commit heinous crimes such as kidnapping with ransom and destruction of properties and loss of lives…and is within the purview of what is embodied in Article III on Declaration of Principles and State Policies of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which promotes the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare being essential for the enjoyment of all people,” De Lima said in her legal opinion.

De Lima suggested that the consolidated version of the proposed legislation be adopted.

Lawmakers are proposing SIM card registration of prepaid mobile SIM cards under House Bill Numbers 525, 858, 1519, 2444, 2588 and 2642, which will be collectively called as SIM Card Registration Act.

The bills would require telecommunication companies to set up a “fool-proof system” to identify pre-paid mobile subscribers—which account for more than 90 percent of the combined 109 million cellular subscriber accounts of PLDT and Globe as of June.

The lawmakers want registration of prepaid SIM cards because it is easy to obtain compared to postpaid accounts.

De Lima issued the legal opinion upon the request of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology Chairman Representative Joel Duavit.