Government must focus on SIM fraudsters and scammers not telcos

The recent proposal to amend the SIM Registration Act to introduce, among others, a limit on the number of SIMs that an individual can register is a deeply flawed approach to addressing the scourge of fraud and scams in the country.

This proposal, while perhaps well-intentioned, misses the mark by focusing on telecommunications companies (telcos) as if they were the root of the problem. In reality, the true enemies are the fraudsters and scammers who continue to exploit any system, no matter how many restrictions are put in place.

Fraud is not a simple issue that can be resolved by imposing arbitrary caps on SIMs that can be registered under one name. It is a complex, multifaceted problem that involves a range of tactics, from social engineering to the use of sophisticated technology. 

Scammers are not mere opportunists— they are often part of well-organized networks that are constantly evolving to evade law enforcement and regulatory measures. By proposing to limit the number of SIMs a person can register, the government is offering a simplistic solution that does not address underlying issues at play. Criminals have proven time and again that they can find ways to circumvent laws and regulations. If a limit is imposed on SIM registrations, scammers will simply adapt. There’s identity theft, using stolen or forged documents to register additional SIMs. The point is, these individuals are not going to be deterred by a cap on SIM registrations. They are resourceful and will always find a way to continue their illegal activities.

Focusing on SIM registration limits is that shifts the responsibility away from where it truly belongs— on law enforcement and the criminals themselves. Instead of tackling fraud head-on, this approach unfairly targets the telco industry, which has already invested heavily to comply with the SIM Registration Act. 

These companies poured significant resources into developing the technology and processes needed to make SIM registration a reality. Yet now, instead of being supported in these efforts, they are being treated as if they were part of the problem. This is not only unfair but also counterproductive. The telecommunications sector is a vital part of the economy, providing essential services to millions of Filipinos. Imposing superfluous regulations could stifle innovation, reduce competition, and impact consumers. 

Here, the government is failing to address the real issue: the lack of effective law enforcement. Since the SIM Registration Act was implemented in December 2022, we should ask ourselves, how many fraudsters have been caught, convicted, and sent to prison for violating this law? The answer to this question is telling. If the number is low or nonexistent, it is clear that the problem lies not in the lack of regulations but in the lack of enforcement.

The government has a responsibility to protect citizens from crime, including fraud and scams. This responsibility cannot be outsourced to the private sector. While telcos have a role to play in ensuring that their services are not used for illegal activities, the ultimate burden of enforcement falls on the government. It is the government that has the authority and the resources to investigate, prosecute, and punish those who break the law. Failing to do so, and instead placing the burden on telcos, is dereliction of duty.

It is also important to consider the broader implications of this approach. If the government continues to treat telcos as if they were the enemy, it could create a hostile environment that discourages investment and innovation. 

The real adversaries are the fraudsters and scammers who prey on unsuspecting individuals and businesses. The government should be working hand in hand with the telecommunications industry to develop effective strategies for combating fraud, rather than imposing restrictions that do little to address the actual problem.

For as long as it continues to target the telco industry, the real culprits—fraudsters and scammers— will be able to carry on with their activities with impunity.

Be warned: Ongoing tsunami of political propaganda

These are interesting times when Filipinos must always guard their daily news  consumptions . Technically, we are  riding on a tsunami of propaganda and factually incorrect reporting, worsened by”Artificial Intelligence” (AI)  such as deep fakes”. Some call these biases as  “alternative facts” when in truth, they are demonstrable falsehoods. They are everywhere not only from trolls on social media, with manipulated soundbites, memes and clickbait leads but  also from  “fabricated” news angles we see in legitimate but lethargic mainstream media.

These weaknesses of the press were heavily exploited by former President Rodrigo Duterte who used ‘extraordinary powers’ to pressure critical mainstream media. He directly attacked  their credibility, assisted heavily by a vicious troll machine on social media, and used his “puppet legislature” as hatchet men. As expected, his media critics fell particularly the “indestructible” ABS-CBN while others laid low and just waited for his exit. Today, the mounting anomalies during Duterte’s administration are surfacing and the “enraptured” citizens of old are realizing their error.

Traditionally, we are all entitled to a free, accurate and trustworthy press, as this is an essential part of democracy when people should become “informed citizens”. Otherwise, “misinformed” on “uninformed” people are unable too make wise choices on how society is governed. This eventually leads to crisis, anarchy, dictatorship or totalitarian government.  

With voters assessing their choices of incoming new LGU leaders, congressmen and senators for the 2025 midterm elections , media manipulations to influence their electoral preferences of people are ubiquitous.  From a professional  view, they are colossal ,appaling and terrifying.

Outside of mainstream media, trolls from both opposition and administration dominate YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, BLOGS and other social media. No wonder, TV viewership and advertisements are dropping, together with the “trust” on their news and current affairs programs. Latest Nielsen TV statistics say there are 78 million viewers nationwide, and the highest rating GMA7’ 24 Oras news program captures 13 percent or 10M people while TV Patrol only gets only 3 percent or 2.34M). Compare this to Online users now at 86.98M, and on “learning videos” they watch every week, the estimated total is 50M Filipinos relying on social media.  This is where the real information war is raging. It means what you hear on television news is not dominant anymore on the Filipino voters’ psyche.

Today, mainstream news banner multi-angled stories which makes ome think, which political parties or candidates would benefit? Which 

candidates will be  damaged or enhanced? The public would really like to know the truth.  The real one or the “alternative truth”? 

How did Alice Guo escape?  Who helped her? Was she a Chinese Spy? Where is the former Chinese police officer, Duanren Wu the boss of Cassandra in the POGO company?  What about Pastor Apollo Quiboloy?  Today, his SMNI network is heavily engaged in the information wars. He will not be extradited and will face his accusers here. First is a bailable offense of sexual abuse of minor and child cruelty  in Quezon city Regional Trial court while the second is a non-bailable offense of human trafficking at the Pasig RTC.  Therefore.he will remain in jail in its full course  of the cases or indefinitely.

On the other hand, during VP Sara Duterte’s defense of her 2025 proposed budget, she argued heatedly with the Appropriations committee panel at the House of Representatives’, heavily contrasted pro- and anti-Sara videos came out on social media. At this point, I believe that Sara’s journey towards 2028, will be hounded by the House of Representatives probing DepEd while the so-called Quad committees’ will excavate anomalies in his father’s six years in office. Politically, VP Sara will tread the  losing route as 

Manny Villar’s Daang Hari in 2008 and Jojo Binay’s Makati buildings anomaly in 2016.

These forthcoming House and Senate political investigations, will flood our citizens with disinformation or misinformation , stretched and manipulated skillfully by politicians, consultants, down to reporters and non-journalist trolls.

It is high time we consume every news developments with caution and be deeply introspective always. Today ,our  society is replete of fakery, no thanks to artificial intelligence, because seeing and hearing are now easily altered. And people with impulsive reactions to issues are the first to be victimized.  If the person decides on clickbait , without knowing all sides to a controversy, he is doomed and taken farther from the truth.