PNoy signs law creating Department of Information and Communications Technology

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday signed into law Republic Act 10844 creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). 

Malacañang confirmed the development.

Under the law, the DICT shall be headed by a Secretary who will be assisted by three Undersecretaries and four Assistant Secretaries. 

The DICT is mandated to formulate and implement policies that will promote the development and use of ICT, establish a free internet service that can be accessed in government offices and public areas, and protect the rights and welfare of consumers and business users to privacy, security and confidentiality in matters relating to ICT, among others.   

According to the new law, the following agencies are hereby abolished and will be transferred to the newly created DICT: Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO); National Computer Center (NCC); National Computer Institute (NCI); Telecommunications Office (TELOF); National Telecommunications Training Institute (NTTI); and, all operating units of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) with functions and responsibilities dealing with communications. 

It also renames the present DOTC to the Department of Transportation. —JST, GMA News