EDITORIAL: Who Is Running DICT?

EDITORIAL

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed the resignation of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda. On Monday, Aguda issued his farewell statement, thanking the President and DICT employees while promising an orderly transition.

But as of this writing, the country still has no announced replacement. No separate officer-in-charge (OIC) has been publicly designated.

Meanwhile, the race to become the next DICT secretary is getting louder.

DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David “Dave” Almirol Jr. is leading informal online surveys and attracting support from the IT community and technology personalities, including Ann Cuisia and Carlo Ople. His hands-on experience in software development, digital government and technology implementation has become a major argument among supporters pushing for his appointment.

Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes de Claro is another name gaining traction. Multiple sources have told TechWatch Philippines that high-ranking officials within Malacañang are pushing for his appointment.

Former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda is also reportedly being endorsed by influential allies of the administration. RCBC executive Lito Villanueva and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso are likewise among the names being floated.

But the President has yet to announce his choice. And that is the problem.

The DICT is not just another government agency. It oversees the country’s digital transformation, government digital services, cybersecurity, connectivity and critical technology policies affecting millions of Filipinos.

President Marcos said Aguda would temporarily remain until a replacement is chosen. But with his resignation accepted and his farewell already delivered, the government needs to clarify who is exercising authority and making critical decisions during this transition.

A department this important cannot be left in a state of leadership uncertainty, especially with November 5 fast approaching.

In the hacking and cybersecurity community, November 5 carries particular significance. The date is associated with Anonymous and its annual Million Mask March, a global protest movement linked to Guy Fawkes Day. While the occasion is not inherently a cyberattack event, it has historically been associated with hacktivist activity targeting government institutions.

Of course, DICT did give us something last year: Oplan Cyberdome, a cybersecurity initiative that appeared to generate more publicity than confidence.

The President has every right to choose his next DICT secretary. Technical competence, leadership, integrity and the ability to execute should matter more than political connections.

Every day without a clear leadership arrangement creates unnecessary uncertainty over who is accountable for the country’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity preparedness and response to cyber threats.

President Marcos must announce his choice soon, or at the very least formally clarify the interim leadership arrangement.

So, who is running DICT?