Almirol leads Facebook poll on next DICT chief as Aguda resignation accepted

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for e-Government David “Dave” Almirol Jr. topped an informal Facebook poll on who should replace Secretary Henry Aguda, whose resignation Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said had been accepted by Malacañang.

The poll conducted by TechWatch Philippines CEO and Editor-in-Tech Art Samaniego Jr. from October 6 to 11 gathered 855 reactions, with Almirol receiving 602 likes, representing 70.4 percent of all reactions.

Former presidential spokesperson and PayMongo co-founder Edwin Lacierda received 126 heart reactions, or 14.7 percent, while Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso received 25 care reactions, or 2.9 percent.

The post also drew 98 laughing reactions, three surprised reactions and one angry reaction, which were not assigned to any candidate.

Samaniego asked followers who they believed was most qualified to replace Aguda, highlighting the three candidates’ respective backgrounds in e-government, financial technology and cybercrime coordination.

The results, tallied as of October 11, reflect only the preferences of Facebook users who reacted to the post and do not constitute a scientific or nationally representative survey.

Remulla confirms resignation accepted

On Saturday, October 10, Remulla disclosed that Malacañang had already accepted Aguda’s resignation.

“Nag-resign. Tinanggap na ’yung resignation,” Remulla said as a guest during a DZRH radio program.

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Malacañang accepts DICT Secretary Aguda’s resignation — Ombudsman

The disclosure came days after Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace had received no information about Aguda’s resignation. Castro had also relayed Aguda’s statement that he remained focused on his responsibilities and recognized the President’s prerogative over Cabinet appointments.

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DICT Secretary Aguda focuses on department work amid resignation reports

Aguda’s reported departure follows controversies surrounding the temporary blocking of Discord and an Ombudsman investigation into alleged irregularities involving government technology projects.

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BREAKING: Sources say Aguda submits resignation as DICT chief

The appointment of the next DICT secretary remains the prerogative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with no official successor announced.