DICT: Lack of Telegram PH Office Hampers Action vs Illegal Activities

The Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council are closely monitoring the operations of Telegram in the Philippines following rising reports of illegal activities on the platform.

Why It Matters: The government’s position signals a tougher stance on digital platforms that fail to address criminal activity within their systems. With Telegram widely used in the country, any potential restriction could affect millions of users and businesses that rely on the app for communication.

The move comes as the government strengthens its campaign for a safer digital space. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda confirmed that the messaging app is now “under observation” due to its alleged use in online gambling, scams, piracy, illegal drug trade, and the sensitive issue of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children or OSAEC.

According to Secretary Aguda, the risks posed by these crimes cannot be ignored.

“Ang usapin ng online sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OSAEC) ay non-negotiable. Kapag nagpatuloy ang ganitong uri ng mga aktibidad at walang pakikipagtulungan mula sa mga platform, hindi kami mag-aatubiling irekomenda ang pag-block sa kanila. Ang instruction ng ating Pangulo ay malinaw: puksain ang social harm na dala ng teknolohiya.” (The issue of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is non-negotiable. If this type of activity continues and there is no cooperation from the platforms, we will not hesitate to recommend blocking them. The instruction of our President is clear: eliminate the social harm caused by technology.)

One of the main challenges cited by authorities is Telegram’s lack of a physical office in the Philippines. Officials said this makes it more difficult to coordinate investigations and identify individuals involved in criminal activity.

READ: Banning Telegram totally misses the point

CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso explained that the government needs mechanisms to access credentials of suspects allegedly using Telegram for prostitution, scamming, and other illegal schemes.

“Kapag nagamit ang plataporma nila for exploitation, kailangan malaman namin kung sino ang gumagawa nito. Upang magawa iyon, kailangan mayroon silang opisina rito o may direktang nakakausap kami. Hindi pwedeng maging kanlungan ng mga kriminal ang isang app dahil lamang sa kawalan ng koordinasyon.”
(When their platform is used for exploitation, we need to know who is doing it. To do that, they need to have an office here or someone we can directly coordinate with. An app cannot become a refuge for criminals simply because of a lack of coordination.)

Blocking as a Last Resort

The DICT and CICC clarified that blocking or banning Telegram remains a last resort. The government said it prefers stronger cooperation and accountability from technology companies rather than outright restriction.

Still, authorities urged the public to remain vigilant online. Under the leadership of Secretary Aguda and Undersecretary Paraiso, both agencies said they will continue enforcing laws to ensure Filipinos are safe, protected, and responsible in the digital space.

Will increased coordination between the government and messaging platforms be enough to address these concerns, or will stricter measures eventually be put in place?