MANILA — The Department of Information and Communication Technology will work with telcos to improve the implementation of the SIM Registration Act which aims to minimize, if not eradicate, scams.

ICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said this after the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center raised the alarm over the rising number of scams via phone calls based on a report of the anti-scam app Whoscall.

“Like most systems that are implemented, usually may mga quirks yan eh. So learning from the problems, we have to fix that. We just have to review the systems that the telcos have implemented. They’re working on improving the registration process,” he said.

Public warned: Scam calls on the rise

Scam calls rose 225 percent to 351,699 in the first quarter of 2025 in the Philippines compared to 108,157 for the same period in 2024. Text scams remain a top problem.

The DICT chief said he is set to be briefed by Undersecretary Alex Ramos from the CICC to better understand challenges to aid in the formulation of better solutions.

Aguda, meanwhile appealed to the public to use technology to improve the quality of life.

“Cyber is a tool. Like most tools, you can use it for good or otherwise. I’m appealing to use your skills. This is the time when the country needs to be united. In cyberspace, sana united tayo dun. Unahin na muna natin yung productive use of internet,” Aguda said.