Senator Win Gatchalian has criticized the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for failing to enforce the SIM registration law effectively, leading to a surge in fraud and scam activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Gatchalian lambasted the NTC for neglecting its responsibility under Republic Act No. 11934, which aims to hold users of SIM cards accountable and aid law enforcement in tracking criminals using mobile devices. He highlighted recent police raids on POGO facilities in Pasay City, Tarlac, and Pampanga, where authorities found numerous SIM cards linked to various fraudulent schemes.
The senator underscored that despite the law's enactment in October 2022, incidents of fraud have increased instead of declining, emphasizing the critical role of SIM registration in combating mobile phone-related crimes.
Gatchalian, a co-author of the SIM Registration Act, also reiterated concerns over POGOs' involvement in serious crimes, urging the NTC to ensure telco operators comply with the law to curb criminal activities effectively.