In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fortify the country’s cyber defense and strengthen international cooperation, the Philippines joined the global community in the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, held at the National Convention Center in Ha Noi, Viet Nam from October 25 to 26, 2025.
Representing the Republic of the Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry R. Aguda signed the historic Convention, marking a major step forward in the country’s commitment to a safe, secure, and trusted digital environment under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The President’s message, intended to be delivered on his behalf by Secretary Aguda, underscores the Philippines’ honor in being among the first signatories of the Convention. The message emphasizes the country’s determination to strengthen global cooperation against borderless and rapidly evolving cyber threats, and to champion the principles of trust, accountability, and human rights in the digital age.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, the Convention against Cybercrime is the world’s first comprehensive global treaty dedicated to combating crimes committed through information and communications technologies and facilitating the sharing of electronic evidence for serious crimes.
The Philippines’ country statement, which reflects the President’s directives, highlights the nation’s active role in shaping the Convention. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) co-chaired the National Steering Committee during negotiations, while the DICT–Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) served as Vice Chair, alongside the National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
Throughout the negotiations, the Philippines advocated for stronger safeguards to protect children online, greater technical assistance for developing nations, and a balanced approach between effective law enforcement and the protection of human rights and privacy.
At the national level, the DICT continues to fortify its cyber resilience through key initiatives such as Oplan Cyberdome, the government’s flagship program for proactive cyber defense and rapid incident response, and Oplan Paskong Sigurado, which mobilizes public awareness and joint operations to protect Filipinos from online scams and cybercrimes during the holiday season
These programs, alongside landmark policies such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, RA 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, and the ratification of the Budapest Convention, form part of the DICT’s whole-of-nation approach to build a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.
The signing in Ha Noi cements the Philippines’ leadership in promoting a resilient and rights-based digital ecosystem, anchored on collaboration, accountability, and shared responsibility.
“This is Digital Bayanihan in action, where nations, institutions, and communities work hand in hand to secure our shared digital future,” Secretary Aguda said. (DICT)
