MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
President Marcos announced the appointment during a press briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday, October 13, succeeding Henry Aguda. The leadership change arrives as the Office of the Ombudsman investigates alleged irregularities tied to government-funded internet connectivity initiatives.
The ongoing inquiry focuses on suspicions that various internet installations, software, and hardware were left undelivered or nonoperational even after public funds had already been disbursed.
De Claro steps into his new cabinet position with a strong background in information technology, holding a computer science degree from De La Salle University.
His private sector experience includes executive roles at People4u Inc., JMango Philippines Inc., GlobalOne Solutions, and Cloud Sherpas, alongside working as an operating partner at FutureNow Business Services Inc.
Before his transfer to the DICT cabinet post, De Claro served as the head of the SSS, officially assuming the role of president and CEO in December 2024 after serving as officer-in-charge. He originally entered the social security agency representing employer interests within the Social Security Commission.
With the DICT currently under immense public pressure regarding the “ghost internet” controversy, De Claro faces immediate oversight challenges as he assumes leadership of the agency.