House Halts DICT Budget Talks Amid Online Safety Worries

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives has deferred further discussions on the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) due to concerns over online safety. Lawmakers flagged the increasing risks present in the online space, including cybercrime and child sexual exploitation. Philreca party-list Representative Presley de Jesus moved to suspend the deliberations on the DICT's P10.68 billion budget proposal. The motion was adopted as lawmakers sought more clarity on the agency's plans to address online safety issues. During the floor debates, specific concerns were raised regarding the surge in cybercrimes and the escalating issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAM) online. Representatives questioned the DICT's concrete strategies and budget allocation for tackling these problems. In recent years, the Philippines has seen a rise in online fraud, data breaches, and hate speech with the widespread adoption of the internet. Cases involving young people and children as victims continue to be reported. The DICT is the government agency responsible for enhancing cybersecurity, combating online scams, and advocating for child protection laws and awareness campaigns. However, some lawmakers expressed the view that these initiatives have not progressed sufficiently. This temporary halt in budget deliberations highlights the challenges in balancing the country's digital advancement with adequate social protection measures. The DICT is expected to present enhanced online safety strategies to address lawmakers' concerns before budget discussions resume. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo