House delays DICT budget approval amid online safety debate

MANILA – The House of Representatives suspended further debate on the Department of Information and Communications Technology's proposed P10.68 billion budget for 2027 late Wednesday, after legislators expressed concerns about online safety matters affecting the agency's spending plan.

Philreca party-list Representative Presley de Jesus moved to defer discussions on DICT's appropriations allocation as lawmakers sought to address digital safety issues that had emerged during the budget deliberations. The motion halted progress on the department's funding request and signaled growing legislative scrutiny of the agency's priorities ahead of next year's fiscal period.

The deferral reflects broader concerns within the chamber regarding online security and safety frameworks as the country grapples with evolving digital threats. Lawmakers have increasingly emphasized the need for stronger protections in the digital space, making these considerations central to budget oversight processes.

The House is expected to resume deliberations on DICT's budget allocation once the online safety concerns are adequately addressed. The delay underscores the legislature's commitment to ensuring that agency budgets align with national priorities on digital protection and public welfare.