Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos has appointed 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 who resigned amid controversies over the agency’s internet programs and online platform restrictions.
“I have already signed the ad interim appointment of the new DICT secretary. He is Robert Joseph de Claro, he is the current SSS President and CEO,” Marcos announced Tuesday, Oct. 13, during a media interview in Malacañang.
The president cited De Claro’s experience in technology and finance, describing him as someone with “a very strong background in terms of the digital economy, the digital world.”
De Claro took over as SSS president and CEO in December 2024 after serving as a member of the Social Security Commission beginning January 2023.
De Claro holds a degree in computer science, specializing in information technology, from De La Salle University.
Leadership change amid controversies
The appointment follows Marcos’ confirmation on Sunday, Oct. 11, that he had accepted Aguda’s resignation, which came as the DICT faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities in government-funded internet connectivity projects.
The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating an alleged “ghost internet” scheme involving possible payments for internet services, equipment and software that were either not delivered or failed to meet contractual requirements.
Investigators are also examining possible overpricing and whether public funds were released for services that were not operational.
Aguda’s departure also followed public criticism of the DICT’s temporary restriction of Discord, an online communication platform, over concerns involving online grooming and violent extremism.
The restriction was lifted less than a day after implementation following discussions with the platform.
New DICT chief orders review
De Claro has committed to reviewing the DICT’s projects, budgets and procurement processes as he takes over the department.
“I’ll have a thorough review of all the projects, budgets, and procurement ng DICT,” De Claro told reporters Tuesday.
He said the public should expect a clearer direction for the department within three months.
The new secretary also identified online child protection and the threat of nihilistic violent extremism as areas requiring attention.
