MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has declared its full support for the Office of the Ombudsman’s probe into alleged corruption and irregularities surrounding state-funded IT and internet connectivity projects.
In a statement released Saturday, the agency confirmed that it will submit all necessary records and technical specifications to assist state auditors and investigators.
“We are treating this matter with utmost urgency and stand ready to provide any records, technical information, and assistance necessary to support a thorough and impartial investigation,” the department stated.
The development follows an announcement from the Ombudsman initiating a fact-finding inquiry into an alleged “ghost internet” scam, where contractors allegedly supplied government agencies with cheap, outdated, or fraudulent software instead of the systems agreed upon in their contracts.
Addressing the allegations, the DICT stressed that taxpayers’ money intended for digital development must yield tangible results for the public. The department noted that claims regarding non-operational systems, misrepresented project turn-overs, or the misuse of public funds must be fully scrutinized and prosecuted under applicable laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public resources, the agency pledged to uphold transparency and administrative integrity throughout the duration of the investigation while coordinating closely with oversight bodies.