Marcos confirms Henry Aguda's resignation as DICT secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that Henry Aguda has resigned as Department of Information and Communications Technology secretary.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore, including The Philippine STAR, Marcos addressed the rumored cabinet shakeup involving three secretaries.
"We were holding it back [before] we'll be able to announce his replacement. But the Ombudsman already spilled the beans," the president said.
Marcos added that Ombudsman Boying Remulla's reveal comes amid the office's investigation into alleged ghost internet projects, in which contractors allegedly installed outdated or fake software, leading to overpricing.
"It is related, I think, to the progress of the investigation [being] conducted on the ghost internet projects."
In a radio interview on Oct. 10, Remulla revealed that Aguda's resignation was accepted by Malacañang.
This came three days after Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said that Aguda would remain the DICT chief.
For his part, Aguda acknowledged reports surrounding his position in the cabinet and added that he would focus on carrying out his responsibilities.
"As Secretary of DICT, I serve at the pleasure of the president and I fully recognize and respect the president's prerogative in matters concerning his cabinet and his administration," he said in an Oct. 7 statement.
Additionally, Marcos revealed that Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez will also be replaced by PTV General Manager Lino Cayetano, the brother of senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.
The president also said that Public Works and Highways Sec. Vince Dizon won't be returning as Transportation chief.
"Right now, it's a no, but all of this, we can still change. As we sit here together today, no, he's not going to move."
Aguda was appointed as DICT secretary in March 2025, replacing Ivan John E. Uy, who held the post from June 2022 to March 2025.
Marcos is currently in Singapore on a working visit, where he'll attend the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference.
The Palace also confirmed that he'll be watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the country. (with reports from Alexis Romero)
