“Firstly, DITO welcomes the investigation of the DICT on the allegations that Chinese employees or partners of DITO are involved in spying,” said Adel Tamano, DITO chief communications and chief revenue officer.
Tamano also pointed to a joint April 8, 2025 audit by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Security Commission (NSC), and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
“We are confident that this investigation will once again affirm the findings of the joint audit… which stated clearly that DITO has passed the government standards for cybersecurity and has safeguarded its network facilities and information assets by establishing a robust security system and infrastructure,” the Tamano said, adding that the audit findings remain valid until April 2027.
DITO responded to a viral social media post alleging that 400 Chinese nationals working at DITO, some in executive roles, may be overstaying on tourist visas and compromising national security.
“[T]hese allegations, and the questions on the legal status of non-Filipinos working at DITO, are not new to DITO,” Tamano said, citing similar claims dating back to its selection as the country’s third major telco in 2018.
“On the visa issue, DITO has always been fully compliant with all requirements for employment of foreign nationals,” he added.
Tamano noted that DITO undergoes regular cybersecurity audits as part of its franchise obligations and as a critical infrastructure under the Public Service Act.
He also cited their key officers with military backgrounds: retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago as chief technology officer overseeing network and IT security; retired Colonel Roleen Del Prado as head of cybersecurity, and retired Colonel Romeo Basco as head of corporate security.
“These retired men in uniform have dedicated and committed their lives to protecting the sovereignty of our country and security of our people, and they are sworn to continue to do so in their work at DITO,” Tamano said.
