Malacañang announces De Claro as new DICT secretary

• Courtesy of Robert Joseph Montes de Claro

Malacañang has announced Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), replacing Henry Aguda.

The announcement follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s confirmation that he had accepted Aguda’s resignation.

De Claro is a Computer Science graduate of De La Salle University with more than 33 years of experience in technology, corporate management and financial services.

Before joining SSS, De Claro held executive positions at GlobalOne Solutions, Cloud Sherpas, JMango Philippines and People4u Inc. He also worked for multinational company Nestlé.

De Claro joined the Social Security Commission in 2023 and was appointed SSS president and CEO in December 2024. He previously chaired its Information Technology and Collection Committee and represents SSS on the boards of PLDT and UnionBank.

De Claro has worked closely with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Finance Secretary Frederick Go. Recto previously chaired the Social Security Commission when De Claro assumed leadership of SSS, while Go subsequently succeeded Recto as Finance Secretary and commission chairperson.

At SSS, De Claro pursued digital transformation initiatives, including biometric verification, digital pension services and paperless transactions.

De Claro takes over DICT amid challenges involving cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, telecommunications policy and accountability of major technology platforms.