Social Security System (SSS) president and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro has reportedly taken his oath as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), replacing Henry Aguda.
De Claro’s appointment marks another leadership change at the DICT following Aguda’s reported departure from the Marcos administration.
The new DICT chief brings to the agency a background in information technology, corporate management, and government service.
De Claro was appointed SSS officer-in-charge on Oct. 11, 2024, before formally assuming the position of president and CEO on Dec. 6, 2024, following his appointment by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Before heading the SSS, he served as a member of the Social Security Commission (SSC), representing the employers’ sector beginning January 2023.
He also chaired the commission’s Information Technology and Collection Committee and served on its audit, risk management and investment, and governance committees.
De Claro has more than 25 years of experience in business management, including executive positions in technology and business services companies.
His previous roles include president and CEO of People4u Inc., operating partner at FutureNow Business Services Inc., president and general manager of JMango Philippines Inc., and Asia-Pacific general manager at GlobalOne Solutions Inc. and Cloud Sherpas.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, specializing in Information Technology, from De La Salle University.
His appointment puts him at the helm of the DICT, which oversees the government’s digital transformation initiatives, telecommunications policy, cybersecurity programs, and efforts to expand Internet connectivity across the country.
Marcos Jr. confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 11, that he had accepted Aguda’s resignation but had asked him to remain temporarily until a replacement was selected.
Aguda subsequently issued a statement on Oct. 12, thanking the president for the opportunity to serve and pledging an orderly transition to the incoming leadership.
De Claro’s assumption of the DICT post comes as the department faces scrutiny over alleged irregularities in government-funded Internet connectivity projects, alongside continuing efforts to improve digital government services.
