Ombudsman Boying Remulla said Saturday, Oct. 10, that Malacañang had accepted Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda’s resignation, three days after the Palace said he would remain in office.
“Nag-resign. Tinanggap na ’yung resignation,” Remulla said during DZRH’s Executive Session radio program.
Malacañang has yet to publicly confirm Aguda’s departure as of the initial reports on Saturday. Remulla did not disclose when the resignation was submitted or why Aguda stepped down.
On Oct. 7, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang had received no information about Aguda’s resignation. She read a statement from Aguda saying he remained focused on his responsibilities and ensuring the continuity of the department’s work.
“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. My focus remains on carrying out my responsibilities and serving the Filipino people to the best of my ability,” Aguda said.
Aguda became DICT secretary in March 2025, succeeding Ivan Uy. His reported departure comes as the Office of the Ombudsman investigates alleged “ghost internet” irregularities involving Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) projects, including the government’s Free Wi-Fi program.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Sept. 18 that investigators were examining whether contractors supplied cheaper, outdated or fake software while charging the government for the systems required under their contracts.
Investigators are also checking whether contracted internet sites were installed and functioning and whether prices for hardware, software and connectivity were inflated.
Malacañang has backed the investigation. Castro said on Sept. 22 that a more thorough inquiry was needed before identifying officials who should be held accountable.
The investigation extends beyond whether internet sites were installed. It also seeks to establish whether the government paid for services never delivered and who authorized those payments. Remulla did not say whether Aguda’s reported resignation was connected to the probe.
