Charles Teves
Netizens were left confused after former senator Tito Sotto said he waited 34 years for his proposal of a SIM card registration bill to get passed.
On October 10, President Marcos Jr. signed the SIM registration bill, the first ever since winning the presidency.
Republic Act No. (RA) 11934, or “An Act Requiring the Registration of SIM Cards” will require Filipinos and foreigners to register their names on any sim card they purchase.
The law aims to lessen text messaging scams in the country.
Sotto said via tweet that he proposed the bill 34 years ago.
“FINALLY!!! After 34 years of my proposal, now a law! Praise God!!!”
Former senator Ping Lacson congratulated his ex-running partner on the accomplishment.
Yes, I still remember my interpellation when you sponsored the measure on the floor. My first question was: what does SIM stand for? I also vividly remember your response.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) October 10, 2022
“Yes, I still remember my interpellation when you sponsored the measure on the floor. My first question was: what does SIM stand for? I also vividly remember your response,” Lacson wrote.
Senator Joel Villanueva joined in on praising Sotto.
“Thanks to you Boss SP @sotto_tito. This is also your legacy as it is one of your pet bills Sir. God bless you more!” he said.
However, netizens could not be sure if Sotto’s claim of 34 years was accurate.
34 years ago would be the year 1988, a time when Sotto was serving as Quezon City’s vice mayor.
Sotto was elected senator four years later.
“Medyo confused lang po kami. 1988 po nag simula ang proposal? Wala pa pong sim card that time. 1991 ang sim card na develop at 1992 kayo naging senador. Tama po ba?” a netizen inquired.
https://twitter.com/mabinladen/status/1579364441447366658?s=20&t=8jsxTKNyj4dsHPkV69Ye3w
SIM cards weren’t invented until 1991, one noted.
https://twitter.com/pripri_gosakto/status/1579365061097029638?s=20&t=gR1xl1A-_m09t1Q86F3wKw
Wala. 1991 pa yung development of first sim card sa Munich.
In other words, yung mga sinaunang cellphones ay hindi pa need lagyan ng sim cards.
— Renée Gade ✨ (@chukmimadi) October 11, 2022
Sotto had to explain what he meant by his remark.
In 1998 as Public Services comm chair, i asked NTC to issue a directive registering prepaids. They did! SC issued a TRO that lasted for decades!
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) October 10, 2022
“In 1998 as Public Services comm chair, i asked NTC to issue a directive registering prepaids. They did! SC issued a TRO that lasted for decades!” he claimed.
