MALACANANG terminated Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary Jeffrey Dy after the expiration of his tenure.
In a letter dated March 31, 2025, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin informed newly appointed DICT Secretary Rhoel Aguda that the tenure of Dy had expired, effective immediately.
“Kindly inform Mr. Dy of the above matter. Further, for the continuous and efficient delivery of public services in DICT, you are hereby directed to ensure proper turnover of all matters, documents and information relative to Mr. Dy’s Office.” Bersamin said.
In response, Dy confirmed in a Facebook post that he received a copy of the executive secretary’s letter on April 8, 2025.
“I admit that I am surprised by the turn of events. Since the last National Cybersecurity Interagency Council meeting, I did not talk to anyone from the Office of the Executive Secretary. I also do not know how a tenure would have expired especially since I am holding the plantilla item for the permanent /career undersecretary position. Perhaps, it is the trust and confidence in me of the appointing power that has expired.” Dy said.
Dy had played a key role in the country’s achievements in cybersecurity, including the expansion of the National Security Operations Center and the National Computer Emergency Response Team, as well as the completion of Phases 1 to 3 of the National Fiber Backbone.
Dy cited other major projects accomplished during his time in office.
“The colossal leap of the Philippines in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) ranking from a score of 77 to 93.51 on the heels of the issuance of the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 as Executive Order 58. I am stepping down with my head up high.” Dy said.
Last week, Aguda issued a memorandum ordering all incumbent undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors of the DICT to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations, not later than April 4, 2025.
“This is subject to existing and pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, and for immediate and strict compliance,” the memorandum stated.
Last March 20, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the appointment of Aguda as the new DICT Secretary, succeeding former Secretary Ivan John Uy.
