DICT Denies Public Funds in Blockchain Budget Project
The Department of Information and Communications Technology clarified that its blockchain-based budget monitoring initiative involves zero government spending after Peanut Gallery Media Network raised questions about the project's structure.
Key Takeaway
DICT's blockchain budget project uses no government money, skirting procurement law requirements entirely.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said the agency has not disbursed any government funds for its blockchain-based budget monitoring initiative.
The statement came after Peanut Gallery Media Network published an article questioning the program's compliance with procurement rules. Aguda said the project does not involve expenditure of public funds and is therefore not subject to Republic Act No. 12009, the New Government Procurement Act.
The DICT emphasized that characterizing the initiative as a standard procurement activity requiring public bidding is inaccurate. The agency also denied extending any undue benefit to private parties or showing manifest partiality in connection with the program.
Aguda framed the blockchain initiative as part of the department's broader commitment to transparency. The statement directly addressed potential concerns about violations of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The DICT did not disclose technical details about the blockchain platform, implementation timeline, or private sector partners involved in the monitoring initiative.
