Senator Sherwin Gatchalian seeks to conduct an inquiry into the persistent proliferation of text scams despite the implementation of the SIM registration law.

Even after two years of enforcement, the proliferation of text scams continues to be a pervasive problem in the country, with an estimated 600,000 people falling prey to such scams in 2024 alone, according to Gatchalian, who filed Resolution No. 1324 seeking to conduct an inquiry.

This comes amid proposals to require SIM card owners to be physically present during registration as part of a comprehensive review aimed at improving the implementation of the SIM Registration Act.

“This proposal would be inconvenient for consumers, as it would require them to register in person, similar to the process of applying for a driver's license or an NBI clearance,' Gatchalian said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has admitted that scammers remain ahead with new tactics, including text hijacking devices or counterfeit cell sites, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, which allow them to mimic legitimate cell towers, send fraudulent SMS, and deceive mobile users.

“Given the crucial role of technology in nation-building, it is essential to strengthen cybersecurity and verification measures and implement additional safeguards to combat the continuous proliferation of text scams in the country,” he added. Office of Senator Win Gatchalian