Marcos urges stronger protection vs cybersecurity threats

Student leaders oppose the proposed social media ban for minors, at a press conference in Quezon City yesterday. The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines urges the government to ban predators and groomers rather than hinder learners’ social media access.

Migue De Guzman

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is pushing for stronger protection for Filipino consumers, workers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) against growing cybersecurity threats.

Strengthening cybersecurity is among the key priorities outlined during Marcos’ meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council Digital Infrastructure Sector Group at Malacañang on Tuesday.

“The President considers digital security an essential component of the country’s expanding digital economy as more Filipinos increasingly depend on internet-based platforms for banking, commerce, education and government transactions,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“The administration recognizes that the rapid growth of online transactions has exposed consumers and businesses to increasing risks from cyber threats that could undermine public confidence in digital services,” the PCO said.

Marcos, according to the statement, is working closely with industry leaders to strengthen the protection of digital platforms and systems that Filipinos rely on in their daily activities.

“The President wants consumers to conduct financial transactions, pay bills and access essential online services without unnecessary exposure to digital security risks,” the PCO added.

Particular attention is being given to MSMEs, many of which increasingly depend on online marketplaces, electronic payments and other digital platforms to sustain and expand their businesses.

The administration believes that improving cybersecurity protections is necessary to encourage more entrepreneurs to embrace digital commerce and participate in the growing online economy, the PCO said.

Marcos is pushing for broader internet connectivity in geographically isolated communities where access to reliable digital services remains limited.

“The President is reviewing the Bayanihan SIM Project’s progress as part of efforts to determine how more Filipinos can remain connected to essential online services,” the PCO said.

Unified system

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) convened the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC) to establish a unified defense system against converging cyberattacks and cognitive threats targeting government networks and digital infrastructure.

The meeting was used as a forum as the DICT’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) presented a technical briefing uncovering key security gaps and vulnerabilities across public digital platforms, along with sophisticated information operations designed to disrupt state agencies.

To address these vulnerabilities, the NCIAC approved a resolution authorizing the immediate and continued implementation of the DICT-NCERT Disruption Playbook, setting binding operational protocols for government agencies to detect, contain and neutralize online threats.–  Rainier Allan Ronda