2 DICT officials terminated over misconduct, bid rigging; Agency faces reshuffle

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reshuffled key positions under Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda after Malacañang terminated two senior officials over alleged violations of bidding rules and procurement irregularities involving the department. 

Christina Faye Condez-De Sagon, former Undersecretary for Special Concerns, and June Vincent Manuel Gaudan, former OIC Assistant Secretary for Regional Development, were removed by the Palace on August 14 following accusations.

Complaints were raised over alteration of terms of reference and instilling pressure on the Bids and Awards Committee to steer multimillion-period contracts to preferred suppliers.

Months before the termination, an anonymous letter from DICT employees was also received by former Senate President Vicente Sotto, accusing the De Sagon’s mentee Gaudan, of interfering in procurement, revising specifications to favor certain bidders, and having links to suppliers, including Lancaster Technology and Development Philippines.

Earlier reports also tied De Sagon to alleged budget insertion, which she denied and said she was exploring legal remedies against. 

In December 2025, fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co claimed that IDCT was among agencies that benefited from the P100 million budget insertions in the 2025 national budget, with De Sagon tagged as one of the operators behind the scheme, which she dismissed as “unsubstantiated.”

Department Shake-up

Under Department Order No. HRA-020 issued on August 10, Dir. Maria Teresa Magno-Garcia was appointed as concurrent Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary, taking over De Sagon, to oversee the department’s daily administrative and operational functions.

Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin replaced Gaudan as OIC Assistant Secretary for Regional Development, transitioning from her role as Memaropa Regional Director. 

The order stated changes were made “in the exigency of the service and pursuant to existing laws, rules, and regulations.”

Assistant Secretary Christian Mark Guingcangco was designated as OIC Undersecretary for Special Concern, while Undersecretary Leonido Pulido III was assigned as Vice Chairperson of the department’s organizing committee and Chair of the ASEAN Technical Working Group.

“All officials and employees of the Department are hereby advised to give their full support and cooperation to the foregoing officials in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities,” the order stated.

The designations took effect immediately, placing the International Cooperation Division and Legislative Liaison Division under the direct supervision of the Office of the Secretary.