The resignation of Secretary Ivan John Uy from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has left a crucial vacancy in a key government agency. As the Marcos administration looks for a new leader, several names have emerged, each bringing a unique set of skills and experience.
Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado has stepped in as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC). As Uy’s Chief of Staff, he understands DICT’s ongoing projects and plans. His leadership ensures continuity and avoids disruptions. Mercado’s background includes a degree in Political Science from Ateneo de Manila University and a law degree from San Beda University. Having held key government roles, his experience makes him a strong candidate for the permanent position.
Another name being mentioned is Alexander Ramos, the Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Ramos has led the fight against cybercrime, strengthening the country’s digital security. He has worked with international firms to improve cybersecurity and has pushed for innovative solutions, like using renewable energy to power cybersecurity infrastructure in remote areas. His experience in investigation and policy enforcement makes him a strong contender.
Another formidable contender is Usec. David Almirol Jr., the current head of DICT’s e-government programs. Almirol is an IT entrepreneur who founded MultiSys Technologies before joining the government. His leadership style focuses on collaboration, innovation, and inspiring loyalty. He has built a strong reputation within DICT for empowering employees and fostering a positive work culture, making him a dynamic choice for DICT’s top post.
His personal story—rising from humble beginnings to become a tech industry leader—shows resilience and determination. He has successfully navigated both the private sector and government bureaucracy, skills that are crucial for DICT’s digital transformation efforts.
Senator Grace Poe has also been floated as Uy’s possible replacement. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, she has been vocal about issues in the transport and communications sectors. Her work in the Senate shows her commitment to improving public services, but her lack of direct experience in ICT is a concern. Running DICT requires technical expertise, and she has never led a government bureau.
The DICT plays a crucial role in expanding broadband access, improving cybersecurity, and developing digital initiatives. The department needs a leader with both administrative skills and technical knowledge.
Uy, an expert in information and communications technology, launched key programs like the Free Public Internet Access Program, Digital National ID, and E-Government Platforms. His replacement must continue these efforts.
The next DICT Secretary will shape the country’s digital future. Mercado ensures stability, Ramos brings cybersecurity expertise, Almirol has an “Expeditious E-Government Strategy,” and Poe offers a policy-driven approach.
President Marcos must carefully weigh his options. A balance of leadership, experience, and technical skills is essential to keep the country’s digital transformation on track.
The politics of disappointment
The widespread discontent of people regarding the epic clashes between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PBBM) and Vice President Sara Duterte makes the coming May elections not just a quest for political supremacy but a reckoning for the soul of the nation.
Filipinos aged 18 to 44—includes Millennials (25.9 million), Gen-Z (21.7 million), and Gen-X (17.64 million) voters—they represent roughly 65 percent of the total number of registered voters, marking them as the pivotal demographic on May 12.
To be clear, these younger generations are loud and clear in their collective disappointment over rising prices and food security concerns of past and present administrations. With heavy aspirations to succeed, cultivate happy relationships, and enjoy personal afety, their priorities starkly contrast with the cacophonous and unfolding political drama of power plays and fake news campaigns spearheaded by Duterte and Marcos and vice versa.
The gripping dynamics surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest underline the severity of this situation. The Dutertes want a return to power via aggressive protests and manufactured grievances. On the other, PBBM’s administration looks primarily occupied with managing perceptions rather than addressing the ills that afflicts our society. Chaos is brewing beneath the surface—a simmering pot of political turmoil and manipulative tactics designed to thrust familiar faces back into the limelight. Yet amidst this divisiveness, turbulence, and possible return to violence, the question must be raised: will millennial voters succumb to the shrill noise of political theatrics?
We must understand that those born in the late ’80s and ’90s have been shaped by different circumstances; they demand authenticity above all else. They’ve witnessed the erosion of standards in governance and are tired of empty promises and sensationalist rhetoric. For them, genuine issues like poverty, unemployment, and public safety are prioritized over the power struggles of political kinships.
Their top priorities, according to polling data, reveal a generation focused on tangible outcomes rather than political bluster. A safe home, financial freedom, and thriving relationships resonate strongly among them. Social justice and traditional values take a backseat when the harsh realities of economic struggle loom larger than life.
The 2025 elections are set to be marked not only by rallies and political ads but also by the narratives constructed in the digital age—long-form podcasts, blogs, and quick-hit videos , all essential tools for both motivating young voters and influencing public perception.
As political noise escalates, fueled by vicious smear campaigns and rally-induced hysteria, the information battles should reflect the genuine hopes and fears of Filipinos—not the tide of chaos that seeks to usurp reason and foster division.
In summation, Millennial, Gen Z, and X voters stand at a crossroads, caught between the allure of political nostalgia and the practical demands of an alarming economic landscape, gaining control over their gullible parent Baby Boomers. These youthful decisions will shape not just leadership but the future direction of the nation itself. They now wield the power to choose governance grounded in reality rather than deception.
So, it is time for all of you to embrace it—the onus rests on you to cut through the din and reject the fulfillment of political ambition built on chaos. I believe that your generation will not allow the deterioration of peace and order to become the norm. Instead, a movement should be galvanized , one would be unwilling to settle for less. The younger voices matter now more than ever.