Tulfo: Speedy implementation of national ID system will prevent SIM-related scams

The implementation of the national identification system should be sped up to prevent cases of false identities being used to register subscriber identity modules or SIM to commit crimes, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo said Thursday.

Tulfo issued the statement in light of rising cases of scammers using false identities to go around the SIM Registration law which requires mobile phone users to register their SIM, alongside their other personal information.

“The issuance of national ID cards to Filipino citizens and resident aliens, as mandated by law, will give the service providers an easy access to government databases for the truthful profile of bona fide holders who apply for SIM registration,” he said.

The lawmaker then noted that accepting assorted identification cards, including a certification from barangay chiefs, for SIM registration gives a window for fraudsters to cheat the system.

“A single ID system encompassing all Filipinos is the key to ensuring the integrity of the SIM registration,” Tulfo pointed out.

The national identification system stems from Republic Act 11055  or the 2018 Philippine Identification System law which establishes a single national identification system for all citizens and resident aliens of the Philippines to aid in delivery of social services.

The measure, however, is yet to be fully implemented since it is plagued with delays in printing the national IDs due to insufficient data and design changes.

“We support the call of my fellow legislators for telcos to take stringent measures in registering SIMs and help the law enforcers in running after online fraudsters, but I also appeal for the speedy implementation of RA 1105  because the use of national IDs boosts our pursuit of foolproof SIM registration,” Tulfo said.

“The call to fast-track the implementation of the national ID system, as advocated by Globe, does not only offer a far-reaching impact on various aspects of daily life, from simplifying bureaucratic procedures to enhancing national security efforts, but also serves as a valuable tool in the fight against cybercrimes by curbing the spread of fake SIM identities,” he added.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy earlier said that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is already getting impatient with the delays in printing national IDs.

Uy, however, also said that Marcos, Jr. did not give an ultimatum to resolve the delays.—Llanesca Panti/AOL, GMA Integrated News