Salceda welcomes de Claro as new DICT chief, cites tech expertise

Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Joey Sarte Salceda welcomed the appointment of Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), citing his background in technology and track record at the Social Security System (SSS).

Salceda, who described de Claro as a longtime friend from his private-sector days, highlighted the new DICT chief’s qualifications.

“Secretary de Claro is a Computer Science major with extensive experience in the startup sector,” Salceda said.

Salceda also praised de Claro’s leadership at the SSS, particularly his ability to improve the pension fund’s financial position while increasing benefits for members.

“His days in the SSS resulted in greater fiscal sustainability and increases in pensions at the same time — a rare combination of results,” Salceda said.

The PLLO chief also expressed optimism about working with de Claro on the administration’s technology agenda.

“I look forward to working with him especially on crucial policy issues on digital transformation and the AI revolution,” Salceda said.

De Claro succeeds Henry Aguda, whose resignation was accepted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following controversies surrounding the DICT.