Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda has resigned, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The departure follows weeks of public pressure and administrative scrutiny, including a controversial temporary ban on the messaging platform Discord and an ongoing investigation into government internet projects.
Ombudsman Confirms Aguda’s Departure
When questioned regarding the status of the DICT chief, Remulla stated, Nag-resign. Tinanggap na ‘yung resignation,
confirming that the administration had accepted the official’s exit. Remulla, who had previously initiated a fact-finding investigation into the DICT in September, noted that his office’s digital efforts had flagged the department. Nagkaproblema tayo sa DICT.’
Aguda had taken the helm of the department in March 2025, succeeding former secretary Ivan Uy. While the Ombudsman confirmed the resignation, official channels remained quiet. Both the DICT and Malacañang had not responded to requests for comment as of the time of the announcement.
Discord Ban and Administrative Pressure
Aguda’s tenure faced intense public and political scrutiny following the temporary, 24-hour blocking of the messaging platform Discord in September. The move drew immediate backlash from gamers, developers, remote workers, and students who relied on the platform for daily operations. The situation escalated to the point where Aguda attempted to open lines of communication by hosting a no-holds-barred
round-table discussion. This event included prominent technology figures such as Unbox PH founder Carlo Ople, entrepreneur and YouTuber Chris Tan, and Planet X Head of Asia Archer Perez.
Legal challenges were soon filed by the civic technology group BetterGov.PH, which named Aguda, CICC Executive Director Aboy Paraiso, and NTC Commissioner Ella Lopez in a petition arguing that the blocking of online platforms without judicial process was illegal.
Palace Response and Final Days in Office
The confirmation from the Ombudsman arrived only three days after Malacañang had publicly denied that Aguda was stepping down. On October 7, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro told reporters that there was no information regarding a resignation. During a working visit in Singapore, Castro debunked reports that Aguda was leaving the post, noting that she had spoken with him directly and that he had provided a photo to Secretary Dave Gomez to demonstrate that he was continuing his work.
Before the resignation was confirmed, lawyer and blogger Jesus Falcis had claimed that a resignation letter had already reached the Presidential Management Staff. Aguda had previously maintained that he served at the pleasure of the President.
“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.”
Henry Aguda, former DICT Secretary
Aguda’s final days were marked by a focus on the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) engagements, specifically the AI MSME event held this week. Sources indicated that David Almirol may be considered as an officer-in-charge following the transition.