Aguda quits, Palace names replacement
Malacañang has accepted the resignation of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed yesterday.
Aguda, who assumed office in March 2025, is leaving amid public scrutiny over the DICT’s temporary blocking of digital platform Discord and an ongoing investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman into alleged irregularities in the government’s Free WiFi initiative.
Attention has since turned to potential successors who could lead the country’s digital transformation.
Among the names being discussed is DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David “Dave” Almirol Jr., founder of Multisys Technologies, who has been involved in developing government software solutions and managing digital infrastructure. Atty. Edwin Lacierda: Former presidential spokesperson, lawyer and co-founder of fintech firm PayMongo.
Atty. Alexander “Aboy” Paraiso: Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
Successor waits in wings
Among the potential successors, Undersecretary Dave Almirol brings extensive technocratic credentials to the position. Before entering public service, Almirol founded Multisys Technologies, one of the country’s prominent software development companies, where he spent years developing enterprise systems and digital platforms across various sectors.
His technical experience encompasses software engineering, system architecture, and emerging tools such as blockchain integration.
In his current role as DICT Undersecretary for e-Government, Almirol spearheaded the implementation of the eGovPH Super App, a flagship initiative that consolidates fragmented government services into a single digital platform.
The eGovPH ecosystem offers several key capabilities and benefits for Filipinos that include Centralized Access to Public Services, Streamlined Digital Verification,
Reduced Bureaucracy and Red Tape, and Financial Inclusion by integrating the eGov app with digital payment channels to simplify payments for government transactions.
Whether the administration selects a seasoned technocrat, a fintech pioneer, or a legal strategist, the primary mandate of DICT remains clear: delivering a reliable, secure, and fully integrated digital landscape that directly serves the daily needs of every Filipino.