Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10711 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the contemporary digital era, where communication technologies are integral to daily 
life, safeguarding the security and privacy of telecommunications is increasingly critical. The 
proposed bill addresses a significant issue in this domain—the misuse of unregistered or "blank" 
SIM cards. These SIM cards, sold without proper registration or activation, have become notable 
facilitators of fraudulent activities and cybercrimes. The Act seeks to tackle this challenge head-
on by prohibiting the sale of such unregistered SIM cards, aiming to enhance the security 
framework within the Philippine telecommunications sector.  
Despite existing regulations, such as the National Telecommunications Commission 
(NTC) rules and the SIM Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11315), there are still significant 
gaps in controlling the distribution and use of these blank SIM cards. These regulatory gaps have 
allowed for ongoing misuse, underscoring the need for more stringent measures to protect public 
safety and digital integrity. By mandating that all SIM cards must be registered and activated 
before they can be sold, the Act aims to curtail the opportunities for misuse. This legislative 
measure aligns with the State's broader policy to protect the security and privacy of its citizens by 
closing the loopholes that have previously facilitated fraudulent activities. 
The primary objectives of the Act are multifaceted. First, it seeks to mitigate the risk of 
cybercrime by eliminating the availability of unregistered SIM cards, thus reducing the potential 
for fraud and identity theft. This is a critical step in safeguarding individuals from becoming 
victims of digital scams and other related crimes. Second, the Act aims to enhance regulatory 
oversight by placing clear responsibilities on telecommunications companies to ensure that all SIM 
cards are properly registered and activated. This step is vital for reinforcing the regulatory 
August 5, 2024
8:00 am


framework and ensuring compliance. Third, the Act supports law enforcement efforts by providing 
clearer guidelines for detecting and preventing the misuse of SIM cards. Telecommunications 
companies are required to report any suspicious activities, which aids in the early detection of 
potential criminal behavior. 
By addressing the issue of unregistered SIM cards through a comprehensive prohibition 
and robust enforcement framework, the Act aims to enhance the security of telecommunications 
services. It is expected to contribute to a safer digital environment by reducing the incidence of 
fraud and cybercrime, thereby protecting the privacy and safety of Filipino citizens. This bill 
represents a proactive and necessary response to the challenges posed by unregistered SIM cards. 
By prohibiting the sale of blank SIM cards and strengthening regulatory and enforcement 
mechanisms, the Act seeks to fortify the security of the telecommunications sector. This legislation 
is a crucial step towards mitigating digital threats and ensuring a safer and more secure 
communications environment for all. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10711 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT PROHIBITING THE SALE OF BLANK SIM CARDS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11934, OR THE " SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE 
(SIM) REGISTRATION ACT"  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Anti-Blank SIM Card Act of 
2024.” 
 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. –  It is the policy of the State to ensure the security and 
privacy of its citizens. In light of the increasing concerns regarding fraudulent activities and 
security threats facilitated by the use of unregistered SIM cards, it is hereby declared that the sale 
of blank SIM cards by telecommunications companies (telcos) is illegal. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act: 
a.
“Blank SIM Card” refers to any SIM card that is sold without being registered or
activated in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
b. “Telecommunications Companies (Telcos)” refers to entities that provide
telecommunications services including, but not limited to, mobile phone services
and internet services.


         SEC. 4.  Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11934 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
"SEC. 4. SIM Registration. - In order to regulate the registration and use of SIMs, 
"xxx"  
 
"For purposes of this Act, all the SIMs to be sold by the PTEs, its agents, resellers, 
or any RETAIL entity, WHETHER PHYSICAL STORE OR ONLINE STORE, 
shall be in an activated state, after the end-user has completed the process of 
registration. NO BLANK SIM CARDS SHALL BE SOLD, IMPORTED, 
TRADED, OR SMUGGLED INTO THE COUNTRY."   
"xxx"  
 
SEC. 5. Responsibilities of Telecommunications Companies. – Telecommunications 
companies shall: 
 
a. Ensure that all SIM cards distributed for sale are registered and activated. 
b. Implement measures to prevent the sale of blank SIM cards, including but not 
limited to, the establishment of effective internal controls and compliance 
programs. 
c. Report any detected or suspected illegal activities involving blank SIM cards to the 
appropriate law enforcement agencies. 
 
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC) shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to effectively enforce this Act. The IRR shall provide 
detailed guidelines on the registration and activation of SIM cards, measures to prevent the sale of 
blank SIM cards, and procedures for reporting and addressing violations. 
  
SEC. 7. Appropriation. – The necessary funds for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the current budget of the NTC. The NTC is authorized to use existing 
funds or request additional funds, as necessary, to carry out the provisions of this Act. Thereafter, 
the sums necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.  
 
SEC. 8. Enforcement and Monitoring.  – The National Telecommunications Commission 
(NTC) NTC shall have primary responsibility for the enforcement of this Act. It shall coordinate 
with law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure compliance and address 
violations. 


 
         SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
         SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
         Approved,