Aguda resigns as DICT chief amid ‘ghost internet’ probe — Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed on Sunday, October 11, that he had accepted the resignation of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government-funded internet connectivity projects.

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Marcos said the administration had intended to withhold the announcement until it was ready to name Aguda’s replacement, but Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed the resignation before the Palace could make the announcement.

“Yes. But we were holding it back until we will be able to announce also his replacement. But the Ombudsman already spilled the beans before we were able to,” Marcos said.

Remulla announced on his radio program on Saturday, October 10, that Aguda had resigned and that the president had accepted his resignation.

Marcos also cited the Ombudsman’s ongoing investigation into alleged “ghost” internet connectivity projects when explaining the timing of the disclosure.

“I think that is because of the investigation that he is conducting. It is related, I think, to the progress of the investigation that he is conducting on the ghost connectivity projects,” the president said.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier disclosed that it was conducting a fact-finding investigation into alleged irregularities involving government-funded internet connectivity projects under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), including the government’s Free Wi-Fi program.

However, Marcos did not explicitly identify the investigation as the reason for Aguda’s resignation.

Aguda’s departure follows scrutiny of the department’s management of government connectivity programs and its recent decision to temporarily restrict access to Discord, an online messaging platform.

The restriction, introduced amid online safety concerns, was lifted less than a day after its implementation following criticism from users.

On October 7, Aguda said he remained focused on his responsibilities despite reports that he had submitted his resignation.

“As Secretary of DICT, I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I fully recognize and respect the President’s prerogative in matters concerning his Cabinet and his administration,” he said in a statement.

Aguda assumed leadership of the DICT in March 2025, replacing Ivan Uy.

Marcos has yet to formally announce Aguda’s successor.