The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it would cooperate with an Office of the Ombudsman investigation into alleged “ghost Internet projects” involving potentially outdated or counterfeit software, undelivered connectivity services, and inflated government contracts.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sept. 19, the DICT said it would formally write to the Ombudsman and provide records, technical information, and other assistance required by investigators.
“We are treating this matter with utmost urgency and stand ready to provide any records, technical information, and assistance necessary to support a thorough and impartial investigation,” the agency said.
The statement followed the Ombudsman’s announcement on Friday that it had begun a fact-finding investigation focusing on contracts connected to DICT projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the inquiry would examine projects in which the government purchased hardware and accompanying software for billions of pesos, but the installed software may have been outdated, cheaper than specified, or fake.
Clavano said investigators would examine contracts related to DICT initiatives but did not identify specific projects, contractors, officials, or amounts because the fact-finding process was still underway.
The DICT said publicly funded technology projects must provide their promised services and benefits.
“Any allegation involving non-performing systems, misrepresented project deliverables, or the misuse of public funds must be thoroughly examined and addressed in accordance with the law,” the agency said.
The department added that it would work with investigators to protect public funds and uphold the integrity of government digitalization and connectivity programs.
