Senator Win Gatchalian underscores the importance of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card registration law as a way of going after perpetrators of fake messages sent to mobile phones in relation to the Taal Volcano eruption.
Gatchalian pointed out how the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) repeatedly flagged the spread of false and unverified information, which caused public panic and confusion.
“Make perpetrators of fake news accountable for their actions.”
According to the seasoned legislator, mandatory registration of prepaid SIM cards will make it easier for authorities to track down those who spread fake news and make them accountable.
“Nakita natin nitong mga nakaraang araw na habang nagsisikap tayong panatilihing ligtas ang ating mga kababayan, may ilan namang sadyang nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon na lalo namang nagiging sanhi ng kalituhan at pag-aalala”, said the seasoned lawmaker.
“Nakakabahala at kailangan nating aksyunan ang mga bagay na tulad nito,” the senator added.
Gatchalian cited Republic Act 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act which imposes a fine of up to P10,000 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 to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
In filing the bill, Gatchalian lamented the unabated rate by which SIM cards have flooded the market, which he called a magnet for nefarious and illegal activities from untraceable numbers.
“SIM card registration is mandatory in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.”
Gatchalian also took note that SIM card registration is mandatory in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
“Kung maisasabatas ang ating panukala sa pagpaparehistro sa mga may-ari ng SIM cards, mahahanap at mapapanagot natin ang mga nasa likod ng mga maling impormasyon. Masusugpo din natin ang iba pang mga iligal na gawaing ginagamitan ng mga cellphone,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian called on the public to be more vigilant about messages and information they receive about the condition of the Taal Volcano. He also cited the need to boost digital literacy skills to combat the spread of disinformation.