Palace pleased by Honasan’s acceptance to head DICT

FILE: Secretary Salvador Panelo’s Press Briefing (Photo screengrabbed from PCOO)

MANILA — Malacañang on Friday thanked Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II for accepting President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to lead the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“We are glad that Senator Gregorio Honasan has accepted the offer of the President to join his official family and head the DICT,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo also congratulated Honasan and wished him all the best “as he undertakes genuine reforms in the DICT”.

“With the entry of a provisional new major player in the telecommunications industry, we are confident that the senator would provide good direction and sound management to the DICT, consistent with the President’s priority programs beneficial to Filipino consumers in the areas of information, communications and technology,” Panelo said.

Honasan accepted the President’s offer after Duterte confirmed on Thursday his offer to the veteran lawmaker to be the next DICT secretary, replacing acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr.

“For a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people, and for a better future for our most precious children; I have decided to accept the offer of the President to help lead the DICT,” Honasan said in a text message to media.

Panelo said the Palace will provide the public the formal appointment papers of Honasan once it is released by the Office of the President.