THE Palace has officially accepted the resignation of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Saturday, reversing earlier denials surrounding Aguda’s departure.
Remulla announced the development during radio DZRH’s Executive Session, according to DZRH News.
The announcement marks a significant development in the controversy surrounding Aguda’s reported departure, which Malacañang had denied earlier this week.
Aguda’s reported resignation first surfaced on Oct. 6 through social media posts, including one by lawyer and blogger Jesus Falcis.
Newsbytes.PH subsequently reported that Aguda had submitted his resignation, citing industry sources who linked the move to controversies involving the department.
These reports had not been officially confirmed at the time.
On Oct. 7, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang had no information indicating that Aguda had resigned.
She said Aguda remained in office after speaking with him and relaying his statement that he was focused on ensuring continuity in the department’s work.
Aguda also acknowledged that his position depended on the president’s prerogative over Cabinet appointments, saying he would respect the president’s decisions.
He cited the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and DICT’s work on artificial intelligence initiatives for micro, small and medium enterprises as among his immediate responsibilities.
The reports of Aguda’s departure came amid criticism of DICT’s handling of the temporary blocking of Discord in September.
The restriction was lifted after discussions with the platform, but the episode drew criticism from technology advocates and prompted legal challenges over the government’s authority to block online platforms.
Another issue was the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged irregularities involving the government’s Free Wi-Fi program.
The allegations included purported sites where equipment had been installed but internet services were allegedly not functioning.
The investigation had not established responsibility at the time of the earlier reports. Aguda took office as DICT secretary in March 2025, succeeding Ivan Uy.
Aguda was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as secretary of DICT in March 2025, replacing Ivan John Uy.
He previously served as the Digital Infrastructure Lead at the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a council created by Marcos to assist his administration in fostering innovative synergies between the private and public sectors.
He was also a former president and CEO of UnionDigital Bank.
