QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11363)
RA 11363 is known as the “Philippine Space Act.” It establishes the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy and creates the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
The State policies include safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity; supporting space S&T for security and citizens’ benefit; ensuring access to space as a sovereign right; creating a coherent national space strategy; ensuring official international representation; and complying with UN space treaties and principles, including Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention rules.
“PhilSA” is the Philippine Space Agency created by the Act; “SSTAs” are the scientific principles and their applications to space science, engineering, and allied fields; “Satellites” include all objects launched into Earth orbit and artificial objects to be placed in orbit of celestial bodies.
It is the country’s primary strategic roadmap for space development with the goal of becoming a space-capable and space-faring nation within the next decade, focusing on SSTA addressing national issues, efficient utilization of space assets, capacity-building, strengthening national defense, and international cooperation.
They are: (a) National Security and Development; (b) Hazard Management and Climate Studies; (c) Space Research and Development; (d) Space Industry Capacity Building; (e) Space Education and Awareness; and (f) International Cooperation—each addressing specific national needs through SSTA development.
The PhilSA is the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch that plans, develops, and promotes the national space program consistent with the Philippine Space Policy.
Examples (any four): planning and implementing space R&D and applications; coordinating all space activities; developing/operating space facilities for government and stakeholders; designing and operating satellites on behalf of the government; establishing education/capacity programs and grants; promoting local space industry and tech transfer; maintaining international cooperation and representing the Philippines in UN forums.
The PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President for policy and program coordination and is headed by a Director General.
The Director General has the rank and compensation of a Cabinet Secretary, is appointed by the President, and requires confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
At least five include: providing executive direction/supervision; establishing policies and standards; reviewing and approving resource requests; designating and appointing PhilSA officers/employees (excluding Deputy Directors); exercising disciplinary powers; coordinating with other stakeholders; preparing and submitting budget estimates; serving on the GPPB; serving as Presidential Adviser on Space Matters; and formulating rules/implementing requirements.
There are three (3) Deputy Directors General with rank and compensation of Department Undersecretary. They are appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Director General, with a requirement that two (2) be career executive officers.
A person must be a Philippine citizen and resident, of good moral character and proven integrity, with an advanced degree in relevant space-related fields, and at least five (5) years of competence/expertise in specified SSTA-related areas.
The PSC is the principal advisory body for coordinating and integrating policies, programs, and resources affecting space S&T. The President chairs it; key cabinet secretaries and committee chairs are members, with the Director General of the PhilSA serving as Head Secretariat.
It recommends and approves the implementation of Philippine space policies in accordance with international conventions; ensures appropriate allocation of resources supporting PhilSA mandates; and approves strategic directions and decisions for implementing PhilSA.
Section 14 directs consolidation by transferring the Philippines Space Science Education Program of DOST-SEI and related funds/functions/assets/personnel to PhilSA within a specified period, without diminishing the functions and responsibilities of support agencies.
Employees separated within six (6) months from effectivity due to consolidation/reorganization receive separation benefits under EO 366, s. 2004, and qualified employees may retire under existing retirement laws and receive applicable benefits.
At least 30 hectares out of BCDA-administered land within the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga and Tarlac shall be allocated exclusively for PhilSA office and research facilities; additional offices/research facilities/launch sites may be established with boundaries determined by a joint group survey.
Funds come from annual General Appropriations and other revenues (fees, royalties, etc.). The Act authorizes use of 100% of donations/bequests/grants/appropriated sums for upgrading resources and activities; 75% of income is retained for equipment/facilities and 25% remitted to National Treasury. It also creates the Philippine Space Development Fund (administered by Director General) sourced partly from PAGCOR and BCDA shares for five years for capital outlay, plus PhilSA-generated income and loans/contributions/grants/donations (foreign grants need President approval via PSC). Initial operating fund appropriation is P1B from the Office of the President; future needs must be in the General Appropriations Act.
Section 23 requires PhilSA to maintain a National Registry of Space Objects consistent with the UN Convention on Registration and to furnish UN OOSA information. Section 24 provides that the Philippine Government takes responsibility for damages caused by space objects registered in the national registry, effective upon ratification of the Liability Convention and Registration Convention by the Philippines.
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the Act, PhilSA must promulgate implementing rules in coordination with DBM, Civil Service Commission, and other relevant agencies.