Aguda turns over DICT leadership to De Claro

Outgoing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda (right) hands over the symbolic leadership flag to incoming Secretary Robert Joseph Montes de Claro during the official turnover ceremony at the DICT Headquarters in Quezon City on Monday, October 19, 2026. Photo courtesy of DICT

Henry Aguda on Monday formally turned over the leadership of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to Joseph Montes de Claro.

The ceremony marked Aguda’s first public appearance since he resigned a week ago.

De Claro, meanwhile, vowed to push for affordable and reliable internet access for Filipinos.

“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natin mapababa ang presyo ng internet, mapa-improve ang serbisyo ng telco sa ating mamamayan," he said during his first flag-raising ceremony as DICT secretary.

(We will not stop until we lower internet prices and improve telecommunications services for our citizens. Filipinos deserve better service, and every peso our citizens spend on internet access should be worth it.)

"The Filipinos deserve better service, dapat masulit ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng ating mamamayan sa internet,” he added.

De Claro also stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and simplify licensing procedures for internet service providers.

He previously headed the Social Security System before being appointed to replace Aguda at the DICT.

Aguda’s resignation came amid controversy over the proposed ban on online platform Discord.— MCG, GMA News

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