Aguda stays as DICT chief

MANILA, Philippines — Information Secretary Henry Aguda said he still heads the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), amid reports that he has resigned.

“At this time, I remain focused on carrying out my responsibilities and ensuring the continuity of the department’s work,” he said.

However, Aguda recognized that President Marcos has the prerogative to remove him from his post. He said he would respect any decision that Marcos would make on his Cabinet.

Several tech sites reported that he had resigned in the aftermath of his decision to ban Discord last week. The ban was immediately retracted, but not without backlash.

Malacañang also clarified that Aguda continues to discharge his functions at the DICT.

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Aguda had sent a photo of himself working to Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

With regard to reports that Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon would return to the transportation department, Castro said there is no information on the matter.

An article by Politiko said Dizon, who assumed the post of public works chief in September last year, may switch posts with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

Dizon was appointed transportation secretary in February and handled the post for less than seven months.

–  Rainier Allan Ronda, Alexis Romero