President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, October 13, appointed Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph de Claro as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), tapping an executive with experience in digital banking and financial services to lead the government’s technology agenda.
Marcos confirmed in an interview with Malacañang reporters that he had signed de Claro’s ad interim appointment following the oath-taking of newly elected officers of Palace media groups.
“I have already signed the ad interim appointment of the new DICT secretary. He is Robert Joseph de Claro,” Marcos said, citing the appointee’s background in information technology, the digital economy and financial services.
The President said de Claro joined the Social Security Commission in January 2023 and chairs the SSS Information and Technology Collection Committee. De Claro also represented the pension agency on the board of UnionBank and served as chairman of UnionDigital Bank.
His appointment comes as the administration pursues digital transformation and expanded connectivity, with the DICT playing a central role in developing the country’s information and communications technology infrastructure and advancing digital government services.
De Claro’s experience in technology-driven financial services could prove relevant as the government seeks to improve digital delivery systems and broaden access to online services. However, translating private-sector and institutional experience into nationwide digital reforms will require coordination across government agencies and sustained implementation.
Marcos had earlier disclosed during a visit to Singapore that the administration had identified a prospective DICT chief but withheld the name pending an official announcement.
De Claro’s ad interim appointment places him at the head of an agency tasked with advancing the country’s digital development agenda.
