In the Philippines, the expiration of a SIM card often leads to a frustrating realization: the loss of remaining prepaid load or e-wallet balances. Navigating the recovery of these funds requires an understanding of the intersection between telecommunications regulations, consumer protection laws, and the terms of service of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

1. The Validity of Prepaid Load

Under NTC-DTI-DOE Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 05-06-2007 and subsequent circulars, the Philippine government moved to extend the life of prepaid credits.

The 1-Year Rule: Since 2018, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has mandated that all prepaid load with a denomination of PHP 1.00 and above shall have a minimum expiration period of one (1) year from the date of the last top-up.
The "Permanent" Nature of Load: While the load has a one-year validity, the SIM card itself has a separate "active" life. If a SIM card is not topped up or used for a specific period (usually 60 to 120 days depending on the carrier), the SIM is deactivated.

2. The Distinction: Prepaid Load vs. E-Wallet Funds

It is legally vital to distinguish between Prepaid Load (Airtime) and E-Wallet Funds (e.g., GCash, Maya).

Prepaid Load: This is a "contract for service." You have paid for the right to use the network's services. Once the SIM expires and is recycled, the network generally considers the contract terminated and the load forfeited.
E-Wallet Funds: These are considered Electronic Money (e-money) and are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Unlike load, e-money is a legal tender equivalent held in trust. It does not "expire" just because a SIM card does.

3. Can You Recover Prepaid Load?

Technically and legally, recovering load from a permanently deactivated SIM is difficult to impossible under current MNO policies.

Recycling of Numbers: The NTC allows MNOs to recycle mobile numbers after a period of inactivity. Once a number is reassigned to a new user, the previous user’s data and load are purged for privacy and technical reasons.
Legal Standing: Currently, there is no specific Philippine law that mandates a "refund" of expired airtime load once the SIM card's grace period for reactivation has passed.

4. Can You Recover E-Wallet Funds?

Yes. Because e-wallets are financial accounts regulated by the BSP, the funds belong to you regardless of the SIM status.

The Process: If your SIM expires, your GCash or Maya account still exists in the provider's database. You must undergo a "Mobile Number Change" or "Account Recovery" process.
Requirements: You will typically need to present a valid Government ID and proof of ownership of the old number (such as the SIM bed or a notarized Affidavit of Loss) to a physical center or through a verified ticket system.
Dormancy Fees: Be aware that while the money doesn't expire, accounts inactive for a long period (usually 5 years) may be subject to monthly dormancy fees, eventually depleting the balance.

5. Relevant Laws and Protections

Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines): Protects consumers against unfair trade practices. One could argue that forfeiture of funds without sufficient notice is "unconscionable," though this is rarely litigated for small load amounts.
Republic Act No. 11934 (SIM Registration Act): While this law focuses on registration, it links your identity to the SIM. This makes it easier to prove ownership of a deactivated SIM when claiming e-wallet funds.
NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-07-2009: Dictates the guidelines on the expiration of prepaid loads.

Summary Table: Recovery Feasibility

Fund Type	Can be Recovered?	Regulatory Body	Primary Method
Prepaid Load	No (Usually forfeited)	NTC	N/A
Promotional Data	No	NTC/DTI	N/A
GCash / Maya	Yes	BSP	Verification/Account Transfer

Pro-Consumer Recommendations

Monitor Inactivity: Ensure you send at least one text or add PHP 1.00 of load every 60 days to keep the SIM card heartbeat alive.
Unlink Accounts: Before a SIM reaches its expiration date, transfer your e-wallet funds to a bank account or a new, active mobile number.
Affidavit of Loss: If the SIM is already expired/lost, prepare an Affidavit of Loss immediately to facilitate the recovery of financial accounts linked to that number.

Would you like me to draft a formal letter of request to a telecommunications company or a mobile wallet provider to initiate an account recovery?