‘The DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) upholds integrity amid noise and disinformation.’
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, said this on Thursday after resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co recently claimed that the DICT was among the list of agencies that allegedly received over P18.7 billion from the supposed P100 billion worth of insertions made in the 2025 national budget.
Co, who previously headed the House appropriations committee, publicized last week a list of alleged insertions, showing that P5 billion of the supposed insertions went to the DICT’s Free Public Internet Access Program, and P1.5 billion was allotted for its eGovernment Systems Development.
According to Aguda, the allegations of Co against the DICT are ‘unfounded’ or without basis.
‘Often, this noise comes from vested interests that have been affected by reforms aimed at cleaning up and fixing the system,’ Aguda emphasized in a statement.
‘At DICT, our mandate is clear: to serve the people and ensure that every Filipino has safe, fast, and reliable digital services. Every day, that is what our officers and staff uphold,’ he noted. Aguda said the DICT will not be affected by the accusations and will instead continue to provide services to Filipinos.
‘We know that when we do the right thing, some will be hurt and some will oppose. Some will try to sabotage to protect their own agendas. That’s how it is when change is real,’ said Aguda.
‘But despite everything, the DICT public servants will remain steadfast. We will not be affected. We will not be swayed. We only have one side in mind, the interest of the Filipino people,’ he added. ‘To the public: thank you very much for your continued trust. In the face of any challenge or sabotage, our promise remains simple, clear, and direct: We will do the right thing. We will do the job. And we will do it for you,’ the DICT chief furthered.