The National Telecommunications Commission has instructed mobile network operators to verify subscribers who have registered over 100 SIM cards under one name. Numbers that fail verification will be permanently deactivated.
Telecom firms must finish Know-Your-Client (KYC) validation within 15 days of receiving the order. The checks will confirm that registered users physically hold and directly control each SIM under their name, and that the lines serve legitimate purposes.
The directive targets possible misuse of bulk-registered SIMs in scam networks, fraudulent financial operations, and illegal SMS blaster technology. It supports enforcement of Republic Act 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
Republic Act 11934, the SIM Registration Act, sets no legal cap on SIM registrations per person. The NTC stressed that ownership must still reflect actual and lawful use.
- SIM card expiration of Smart, Globe, DITO, GOMO, TNT, TM
- How to check if your Smart, Globe, and DITO SIM is registered
SIMs will be deactivated immediately if users cannot demonstrate continued control or legitimate use. This includes SIMs illegally resold, transferred, or distributed without required re-registration.
The NTC reminded the public that unauthorized SIM transfers are a criminal offense under RA 11934, carrying six months to six years in prison, a fine of Php100,000 to Php300,000, or both.
NTC Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said deactivation is permanent unless the person can prove through proper identification documents that the affected SIM is registered personally under their name.
Blanco urged subscribers to ensure all active SIMs they use daily are registered in their own names. He said verified registration is especially important for numbers linked to digital banking apps, over-the-top messaging platforms, and mobile wallets to avoid disruptions once telcos begin purging flagged accounts.