Honasan gets more support as DICT chief

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Gregorio Honasan is getting more support from his fellow senators over his appointment as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Sens. Cynthia Villar and Aquilino Pimentel III expressed belief that Honasan is capable and competent to head the DICT, the government agency responsible for the planning, development and promotion of the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) agenda in support of national development.

Villar said Honasan is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy and has knowledge of technology.

“I think he knows what he is going to do – the important job of preventing computer crimes,” she said.

Pimentel said Honasan has vast knowledge and experience to handle the department. 

Pimentel added Honasan served several terms as senator and chairman of the Senate committee on national defense, which also involved the issues of national security and cyber security.

Pimentel said Honasan’s appointment to the DICT has nothing to do with the entry of a third telecommunications player in the country.

The senators claimed that the DICT position was offered to Honasan about six months ago but Honasan had to defer the decision and thought first of helping the Senate in crafting some important laws.

Pimentel said he does not see any obstacle in Honasan’s confirmation at the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Villar also clarified that the Villar company did not participate in the bidding for the third telco, but her son Paolo merely tried to acquire communication franchise for his communication-related business.

Villar said her son already has a communications business.