The Philippines has officially joined the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime — the world’s first comprehensive global treaty aimed at combating crimes committed through information and communications technologies.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry R. Aguda represented the Philippines and signed the Convention during the high-level ceremony held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam, from October 25 to 26, 2025.
In his message for the event, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Aguda, expressed the country’s “honor in being among the first signatories” and reaffirmed the country’s determination to “strengthen global cooperation against borderless and rapidly evolving cyber threats” while championing trust, accountability, and human rights online.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, the convention provides a unified framework for tackling cybercrimes and sharing electronic evidence in the investigation of serious crimes — a vital tool as nations confront increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
The Philippines played a key role in shaping the convention. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) co-chaired the National Steering Committee during negotiations, with the DICT–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) serving as vice chair.
Other member agencies included the National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
Throughout the negotiation process, the Philippine delegation advocated for stronger online child protection measures, greater technical support for developing countries, and a balanced approach between law enforcement powers and the protection of human rights and privacy.
“This is Digital Bayanihan in action — where nations, institutions, and communities work hand in hand to secure our shared digital future,” Aguda said.
At home, the DICT said it continues to enhance cyber resilience through flagship programs such as Oplan Cyberdome, the government’s cyber defense and incident response initiative, and Oplan Paskong Sigurado, which mobilizes awareness campaigns and joint operations against online scams during the holiday season.
These initiatives complement landmark policies including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, RA 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and the Philippines’ ratification of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
