Use of nat’l ID database may resolve SIM registration issues – DICT

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy (File photo: Department of Information and Communications Technology – DICT/Facebook)

MANILA – Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy on Tuesday said tapping the National ID database can be a solution to solve the issues being encountered in the subscriber identity module (SIM) card registration.

“If we’re able to deploy the National ID, it will make other departments that issue these medyo (somewhat) not very reliable identifications to be no longer relevant. Then with that National ID as the basis, we can improve the SIM card registration. Binabangga po natin ang (We are comparing the) information on the SIM card registration with the National ID to validate,” Uy told senators during Senate Committee on Finance’s subcommittee “K” hearing of the DCT’s 2024 budget.

He said the data, including the biometrics, captured from 80 to 90 million Filipinos who registered to the National ID system can improve the validation process of the SIM card registration system.

He also recommended for the telecommunication companies to provide DICT with a list of the suspected “dubious” subscribers, especially on pre-paid subscriptions where uploaded pictures are used on barangay IDs and Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).

The DICT also recommended the use of its recently-launched electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) which features an identity verification feature powered by eGov AI to eradicate online fraud.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who is curious about eKYC, asked the DICT to submit further details about eKYC and the corresponding budget that it needs for its utilization.

For 2024, the DICT proposed a PHP9.856-billion budget, divided into the Office of the Secretary with PHP8.729 billion; Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center with PHP325.766 million; National Privacy Commission with PHP337.578 million; and National Telecommunications Office with PHP453.652 million.

However, the agency is requesting for an additional PHP5.6 billion to start new initiatives and sustain the implementation of its various programs.