Local business groups and the joint foreign chambers on Tuesday reiterated their support for the creation of an information and communications technology department.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Franklin M. Drilon and Senate Chairman of the Science and Technology Sen. Ralph G. Recto, the local and foreign chambers said: “We note that the bill creating a DICT [Department of Information and Communications Technology] is a “low-hanging fruit”—legislation that has progressed in both chambers in the last Congress, but failed to pass. In the case of the DICT Act, it was passed by both chambers on third reading, but the bicameral conference committee was never constituted. Thus, we encourage the Senate to pass the version approved last Congress,” the letter read.
A department dedicated to information and communication technology will serve to improve national competitiveness, improve E-governance, raise broadband quality and help strengthen cybersecurity, the groups said.