Poe pushes P1B DICT security budget amid cybercrime surge
The surge in cybercrime has lawmakers calling for stronger digital defense. FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe, a vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, presented the case for boosting the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) budget for 2026 as part of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The push comes amid a sharp uptick in cybercrime and mounting losses tied to these offenses.
The cybercrime surge: the numbers behind the push
Poe cited a 200 percent increase in cybercrime cases from 3,317 in 2023 to 10,004 in 2024. He also highlighted financial impacts, with direct victim costs amounting to nearly ₱200 million and institutional damages totaling about ₱5.82 billion. In light of these figures, he argued that strengthening the country’s cybersecurity is essential for national security and public safety.
Proposed DICT budget package for 2026
The proposed increase to the DICT budget is aimed at enhancing operational capability and defense against evolving cyber threats. The allocations outlined by Poe include the following:
- National Security Operations Center (NSOC): P812 million to bolster monitoring and response capabilities.
- PNPKI (Public Key Infrastructure): P103.42 million to secure digital identities and transactions.
- Expanded National Risk Assessment: P22 million to improve risk analysis and preparedness.
- Personnel: P62.58 million to add 300 staff and upskill the security workforce, representing a substantial capacity increase.
“We increased the national security budget of the DICT by P1 billion. And I will break that down for you,” Poe said, detailing how the funds would be deployed to reinforce cyber defenses nationwide.
Expanding the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)
Poe outlined ambitious expansions for the CICC, designed to scale up the country’s ability to handle and prevent cyber offenses. Notable components include:
- Cybercrime Response Center (CRC): Proposed expansion of P121 million to lift capacity from handling 6,000 cases in FY2026 to 27,000 cases annually.
- Cyber Complaint Center (C3): Aiming for about P30.5 million in expansion to increase the volume of complaints processed from 6,000 to 24,000.
- Threat Monitoring Center (TMC): Allocation of P25 million to equip AI-driven tools capable of analyzing up to 7,000 cybercrime threats per year and generating at least six intelligence reports for strategic use.
The scale-up is presented as a direct response to public concerns about online safety and the need for faster, more effective responses to cyber incidents.
Beyond numbers: public awareness and ongoing initiatives
In addition to expanding technical capabilities, Poe highlighted ongoing public-facing efforts such as the “Scam Ba Yan” project. Launched by the CICC, the nationwide awareness drive aims to help citizens recognize and avoid scams, complementing the DICT’s mandate to protect Filipinos online through education and proactive outreach.
Context and forward look
These amendments were crafted to respond to urgent public concerns and to strengthen the DICT’s mandate as cyber threats evolve. As lawmakers debate the 2026 GAB, the proposed P1 billion increase and its detailed allocations are positioned as essential investments in national security, critical digital infrastructure, and citizen protection in a rapidly digitalizing society.
Conclusion
With cybercrime rising sharply and the economic stakes growing, the push for a larger DICT security budget reflects a broader policy shift toward proactive cybersecurity, stronger digital identity protection, and data-driven threat intelligence—backed by new personnel, expanding centers, and AI-enabled tools.
