New DICT head De Claro defends predecessor
MANILA, Philippines — The new chief of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said he would conduct a thorough review of all projects, budgets and procurements made by the agency.
President Marcos on Tuesday named Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as the new information technology secretary, describing the new appointee, who headed the Social Security System (SSS) until his latest assignment, as someone with a “very strong background” in the digital economy.
In a press briefing, De Claro said he would have a “clear-cut plan” for the DICT to be implemented in the next three months.
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He replaces Henry Aguda, whose resignation was disclosed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Oct. 10 following a number of controversies in the DICT being investigated by the Ombudsman, such as the alleged ghost projects offering Wi-Fi connectivity.
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READ: Ombudsman: DICT chief Aguda has resigned
De Claro, however, defended his predecessor, saying Aguda’s efforts would pave the way for 20,000 internet sites across the country by the end of the year.
“Now, the question is how do we monitor them? We need the assistance of the provider to ensure that the gadgets installed in the different sites are working properly,” the new DICT chief said.
‘Spilled the beans’
“He (Aguda) did his best to try to find ways and means on how to help provide better technology to the Filipino nation,” De Claro said.
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Marcos on Oct. 11 confirmed Aguda’s resignation, a day after Remulla made the disclosure in a radio interview.
The President said Malacañang had delayed announcing it “until we found [Aguda’s] replacement.”
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“But the Ombudsman already spilled the beans before we were able to,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that Remulla must have been prompted by his agency’s investigation into the DICT projects.
Biz, tech credentials
De Claro, who turns 55 on Oct. 26, has more than 30 years of experience in technology, business services and corporate sectors.
He holds a computer science degree from De La Salle University, and was connected with various IT-based companies before he joined the government in January 2023.
De Claro had served as president and CEO of People4u Inc., operating partner at FutureNow Business Services Inc., president and general manager of JMango Philippines, and general manager for the Asia-Pacific region at GlobalOne Solutions Inc. and Cloud Sherpas.
His government service began in January 2023 when he was appointed to the Social Security Commission, the policymaking body of the SSS, as a representative of the employers’ sector.
He became SSS officer in charge in October 2024 until Mr. Marcos appointed him president and CEO two months after.
He also chaired the SSS Employees Provident Fund and represented the agency in the PLDT and Union Bank boards.
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De Claro also held positions in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Employees’ Compensation Commission. —With a report from Luisa Cabato
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