Philippines Gatchalian Raises Tender

Senator Win Gatchalian underscores the need for a SIM card registration law as a way of running after perpetrators of hoax messages on mobile phones in relation to the Taal disaster. Gatchalian pointed out how the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology PHIVOLCS repeatedly flagged the spread of false and unverified information which causes public panic and confusion. According to the lawmaker mandatory registration for prepaid SIM cards will make it easier for authorities to track the perpetrators of fake news and make them accountable for their actions. We have seen in recent days that as we try to keep our people safe there are some who deliberately spread misinformation that are further causing confusion and concern said Gatchalian.Its worrying and we have to deal with things like this he added. Gatchalian cited Republic Act 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act which imposes a fine of up to P10000 and imprisonment of up to six months for persons who spread false or misleading data or information in times of calamities.Last year Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 176 or the Subscriber Identity Module SIM Card Registration Act. Under the proposed measure end users of prepaid SIM cards shall be required to present a valid ID and sign a control-numbered registration form issued by the service provider of the purchased SIM card. Copies of the accomplished forms shall be furnished to the same service provider and the National Telecommunications Commission.In filing the bill Gatchalian lamented the unabated rate by which SIM cards flood markets which he called a magnet for nefarious and illegal activities from untraceable numbers. Gatchalian also took note that SIM card registration is mandatory in countries like Singapore Malaysia Indonesia and Brunei.If our proposal is to regulate SIM card owners we can find and hold back those who are behind the misinformation. We can also stop other illegal activities used by cellphones Gatchalian said. Meanwhile he called on the public to be more vigilant on the messages and information they receive concerning Taal Volcanos activity. He also cited the need to boost digital literacy skills to combat the spread of disinformation.