Malacañang on Thursday abruptly terminated the services of Jeffrey Ian G. Dy as undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in a move signaling a swift policy reset under the department’s new leadership.
In a letter dated 31 March addressed to newly-appointed DICT secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, executive secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Dy’s tenure had “expired, effective immediately,” instructing Aguda to ensure a proper turnover of all matters pertaining to Dy’s office. The letter emphasized continuity in public service delivery as a top priority.
Dy confirmed his termination but questioned the basis of his removal, pointing out that he held a plantilla—or permanent—position. “Perhaps it is the trust and confidence in me, of the appointing authority that has expired. Not my tenure,” he remarked.
Despite the abrupt end, Dy expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank the President for the opportunity to serve,” while signaling his return to the private sector.
As undersecretary for infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and upskilling, Dy was a key figure behind flagship digital programs such as the National Broadband Program and Free Public Internet Access. His exit comes amid what appears to be a broader leadership transition at DICT.
In an internal directive, secretary Aguda instructed all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors to submit courtesy resignations by 4 April, a move intended to give him a free hand in reorganizing the department. However, these officials are expected to continue performing their duties until their resignations are acted upon.
Aguda, a digital finance executive formerly at UnionDigital Bank, was appointed DICT secretary by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the resignation of Ivan John Uy in March. The Palace highlighted Aguda’s expertise in “digital transformation, digital banking, and financial crimes” as a key rationale for the appointment—suggesting a new strategic direction for the DICT.
