DICT cybersecurity exec resigns

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Undersecretary for cybersecurity of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Julius Gorospe has resigned less than a month in the post.

Gorospe, who had taken his oath just last Feb. 2, resigned from the post effective March 15.

Before his appointment, Gorospe had been special assistant on cybersecurity to DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda.

Meanwhile, the DICT issued a statement yesterday to denounce a report published by online outlet Bilyonaryo News Channel and carried on its sister news platforms Bilyonaryo, Abante and Politiko regarding Gorospe’s resignation claiming that it was caused by irregularities in the department.

The DICT said the Bilyonaryo News Channel report contained significant factual inaccuracies.

"The article suggests that Undersecretary Gorospe’s resignation is connected to internal disagreements and alleged irregularities involving ASEAN cybersecurity initiatives. This is false. Usec. Gorospe has remained a trusted and valued member of the DICT leadership team,” the DICT said.

The agency urged the Bilyonaryo News Channel and its affiliated publications to correct the inaccuracies.

For his part, Gorospe also issued a statement on the Bilyonaryo News Channel report regarding his abrupt resignation.

“I categorically deny the assertions made in the article as to the circumstances of my resignation. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Gorospe said in his statement posted on the DICT’s official Facebook page yesterday.