[Inside the Newsroom] DICT's Almirol Suspended Amid Controversy Over Tech Policies

On October 21, 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman imposed a six-month suspension without pay on David Almirol Jr., the Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This action was taken in response to findings of a conflict of interest related to the eGov project, which Almirol led.

The project awarded contracts totaling P1.55 billion to a firm that subsequently subcontracted work to Multisys Technologies Corporation, a company founded by Almirol. This suspension follows an investigative report by Rappler that highlighted these concerns nearly a year prior.

Ongoing Challenges Within DICT

We spent months scouring through corporate information and financial disclosures submitted by Multisys to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as DICT procurement records.

Gemma B. Mendoza, Head of Technology Coverage

The DICT has faced scrutiny for various issues, including its misguided attempts to regulate platforms like Discord and the resignation of Secretary Henry Aguda. The recent appointment of Robert Joseph de Claro, former chief of the Social Security System, adds to this evolving narrative.

In light of these developments, Rappler is shifting its tech coverage to focus more on public welfare and accountability rather than just product reviews. This strategic refocus aims to educate Filipinos on how technology impacts their lives and the policies governing it.

• Investigations into the abuse of women in online platforms
• Exploration of gaps in laws regulating digital content
• Analysis of emerging technologies and their societal implications

As digital technologies permeate daily life, understanding their mechanics is vital. For instance, a recent report revealed that 3.24 billion individuals worldwide use generative AI tools each month. Yet, many remain unaware of how these tools operate and the risks involved.

The DICT's role is crucial; it is responsible for promoting the national ICT development agenda in the Philippines. Our coverage will scrutinize not only the technological platforms but also how government agencies respond to these developments.

Rappler encourages collaboration with the public to uncover stories related to technology and governance. Those with insights or leads are invited to contribute, supporting a more informed discourse around technology in the Philippines.