Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro is the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), replacing Henry Aguda, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on 13 October that he had signed de Claro’s ad interim appointment, which takes effect immediately but still needs confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
De Claro took his oath at Malacañang the same day, Daily Tribune reported.
In a LinkedIn post welcoming him, the DICT said it would keep expanding internet connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity and improving digital government services under his leadership.
Nearly Two Years at SSS
De Claro joined the Social Security Commission in January 2023 as an employers’ representative.
He became SSS officer-in-charge in October 2024, before Marcos named him President and CEO that December.
At SSS, he led digital initiatives including biometric verification, digital pension services and paperless transactions, as Manila Bulletin noted.
He also oversaw the rollout of SSS LoanLite, a microloan programme now offered through partner banks including RCBC and UnionDigital Bank.
He also represented SSS on the boards of PLDT and UnionBank. Marcos said de Claro has a “very strong background” in the digital economy.
Social Media, Child Safety and Free Wi-Fi
De Claro said his immediate priorities include reviewing proposed social media restrictions for minors, strengthening online child protection and assessing the DICT’s projects, budgets and procurement.
He takes over as the department faces an Ombudsman investigation into alleged irregularities in the government’s Free Wi-Fi programme.
According to de Claro, the DICT has installed 12,000 free Wi-Fi sites nationwide and aims to reach 20,000 by year-end.
Industry group FinTech Alliance PH welcomed his appointment, BitPinas reported.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by vicnt via Magnific.
