Pascual says DTI backs SIM reg extension

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the DTI is supporting calls to extend SIM registration, noting its importance in digital transactions.

Pascual, quoted by ABS- CBNS News, said SIM registration will help in “the country’s shift to digital payments.”

SIM registration will only run until April 26, although calls have been made to extend the deadline.

“Digital payments are what we need to happen to further promote and develop our MSMEs because that’s how they can facilitate accessing the market and being able to sell online,” Pascual, quoted by ABSCBN News, said.

The official said it is a “major concern” if the deadline is imposed and not all SIMs have registered.

“If we really need registration, we need to be able to accommodate such a deadline. Personally, I will go for it, but I do not know the official position of the concerned department,” said Pascual when asked if he was amenable to suggestions the registration must be extended. The campaign has to be done and make sure that registration happens. It’s like voter’s registration,” Pascual said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier said they have the prerogative to extend the extension for another 120 days, based on the laws implementing rules and regulations.

National Economic Development Authority ( NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan meanwhile said SIM registration will fast-track the country’s digital economy.

This includes the government’s public sector engagement, Balisacan said.