Palace backs registration of SIM cards

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang expressed its support to proposals to require the registration of prepaid mobile phone SIM cards to prevent criminality.

“According to NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, it is preferable that a law be passed requiring SIM card registration,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

He said the executive supports the measure even though the courts stopped previous NTC circulars.

 Anti-kidnapping crusader Teresita Ang-See reiterated the need for the measure when she testified at a Senate hearing yesterday afternoon.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also supported bills filed in the House of Representatives seeking to regulate mobile communication through the registration of prepaid SIM cards.

 In a legal opinion she issued last year, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she sees nothing wrong with the enactment of the proposed SIM Card Registration Act, as it will ensure the safety and welfare of the public.

The DOJ chief said the measure would aid law enforcers in tracking down criminals who would use mobile phones in kidnapping or bombing.