BREAKING: Sources say Aguda submits resignation as DICT chief

• Courtesy of DICT

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has submitted his resignation due to health reasons, according to multiple reliable sources familiar with the matter.

Sources told TechWatchPH that Aguda has already informed some undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors within the DICT and is reportedly preparing a farewell video.

Malacañang has yet to confirm the resignation or whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted it.

The reported resignation comes after weeks of controversy over the blocking of Discord, which triggered backlash from technology communities and eventually led to a Supreme Court case challenging the government’s authority to block online platforms.

Calls for Aguda to resign also intensified following the Discord issue. BetterGov.PH co-convenor Christopher Star has been among the most vocal, publicly saying that Aguda “should resign because public office is public trust.”

BetterGov.PH founder Jason Torres also called for Aguda’s resignation, saying: “You might as well submit your resignation,” while technology entrepreneur Carlo Ople separately said he had “lost all confidence” in the DICT chief.

This is not the first time Aguda has been reported to be on his way out. Malacañang denied similar reports earlier this year.

Sources said three names are being considered as possible replacements should Marcos accept the resignation: former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. and CICC Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso.

As of writing, TechWatch PH has reached out to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Neither Malacañang nor the DICT has issued an official statement confirming Aguda’s resignation.