Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- Safeguard Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination.
- Support development and utilization of science and technology to foster nationalism and social progress.
- Ensure sovereign access to space for national security and interests.
- Create a coherent strategy for space development to keep pace internationally.
- Ensure official Philippine representation in the international space community.
- Abide by international space treaties and actively participate in global space governance.
Definition of Terms
- "PhilSA" refers to the Philippine Space Agency.
- Space Science and Technology Applications (SSTAs): scientific principles and their applications to space science and related fields.
- Satellites: all objects launched into Earth orbit or orbiting celestial bodies for space exploration.
Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy
- Serves as the strategic roadmap for national space development.
- Aims for the Philippines to become space-capable and space-faring within a decade.
- Focuses on SSTAs that address national issues, optimize space resources, build human resource capacity, strengthen defense, and enhance international cooperation.
Framework of the Space Policy
- Six Key Development Areas (KDAs):
- National Security and Development: space applications to preserve national security and promote development.
- Hazard Management and Climate Studies: use space S&T to improve disaster mitigation and climate resilience.
- Space Research and Development: conduct R&D in space science and technology.
- Space Industry Capacity Building: promote a thriving space industry via private sector cooperation.
- Space Education and Awareness: develop trained space scientists, engineers, specialists and increase public awareness.
- International Cooperation: engage in regional and global space partnerships.
Creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)
- Established as the central government body for space science and technology applications.
Mandate of PhilSA
- Primary policy, planning, coordination, implementation, and administrative entity for the national space program aligned with the Philippine Space Policy.
Powers and Functions of PhilSA
- Policy, Planning, and Coordination:
- Assist in creation and implementation of national/international space policies.
- Manage programs on scientific space R&D and technology applications.
- Handle donations, gifts, and property beneficial to its objectives.
- Coordinate all space activities among Philippine sectors.
- Advise the President and government agencies on space matters.
- Public Access and Resource-Sharing:
- Develop and operate space research facilities for government and stakeholders.
- Assist government and private sectors in utilizing space data.
- Research and Development:
- Conduct basic and applied R&D partnering with universities and industries.
- Design and operate satellites and related systems.
- Promote space science and technology growth.
- Education and Capacity Building:
- Develop space education programs and public awareness.
- Provide grants for scientific or industrial space R&D.
- Offer services and facilities for academic use.
- Industry Development:
- Foster a robust local space industry.
- Promote technology transfer and commercial use of space capabilities.
- Manage intellectual property rights related to space technology.
- International Cooperation:
- Collaborate peacefully with foreign space agencies.
- Maintain a national registry of space objects.
- Enter agreements on behalf of the State with relevant consultation.
- Represent the Philippines in international space forums.
Composition of PhilSA
- Attached to the Office of the President for policy coordination.
- Headed by a Director General with supporting administrative offices.
Director General
- Cabinet Secretary rank, appointed by the President, subject to confirmation.
- Oversees operations, sets policies, manages resources and personnel.
- Coordinates with agencies and advises the President.
- Responsible for rules and regulations to implement the Act.
Deputy Directors General
- Three Deputies with Department Undersecretary rank, two must be career executives.
Qualifications for Director General and Deputies
- Filipino citizen and resident of good moral character and integrity.
- Advanced degree in relevant scientific or engineering fields.
- Minimum 5 years expertise in astrophysics, space science, aerospace engineering, or related disciplines.
Philippine Space Council (PSC)
- Principal advisory body on space policies and programs.
- Composed of key government officials including the President (Chairperson).
- Functions include recommending policies, allocating resources, and approving strategic decisions.
- Secretariat headed by the PhilSA Director General.
Transfer of Space-Related Functions
- Transfers functions, funds, assets, and personnel from existing agencies (e.g., DOST-SEI).
- Ensures no diminution of support agencies’ responsibilities.
Employment Provisions
- Provides separation benefits for employees affected by consolidation.
- Retirement benefits as per existing laws.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
- PhilSA may create divisions and units as necessary, subject to DBM approval.
- Appointments adhere to civil service laws.
Official Site
- At least 30 hectares allocated within Clark Special Economic Zone for PhilSA offices and research.
- May establish additional facilities and launch sites as needed.
Magna Carta Coverage
- PhilSA employees covered by the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other S&T Personnel in Government.
Reporting
- Annual report to the President and Congress detailing implementation status and legislative recommendations.
Funds of PhilSA
- Comprises annual General Appropriation and other income sources such as fees, royalties, and donations.
- Funds administered per government budgeting and auditing rules.
Use of Income
- Ensures sufficiency of resources for operations.
- Authorized to retain 100% of donations and appropriated funds for upgrading and activities.
- 75% of income retained for equipment/facilities upgrades; 25% remitted to the Treasury.
Philippine Space Development Fund
- Created exclusively for PhilSA use.
- Funded by P10 billion over 5 years from PAGCOR and BCDA revenues, income from PhilSA products/services, and grants/donations.
- Acceptance of foreign donations requires Presidential approval.
National Registry of Space Objects
- PhilSA maintains registry as per UN Registration Convention.
- Information submitted to UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.
Liability of the Philippines
- Assumes responsibility for damages caused by Philippine-registered space objects per UN Liability Convention upon ratification.
Initial Appropriations
- P1 billion initial fund from Office of the President’s current fiscal budget.
- Subsequent funding via General Appropriations Act.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- To be promulgated within 90 days by PhilSA in coordination with DBM, CSC, and other agencies.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision shall not affect remaining provisions.
Repealing Clause
- All laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers of general circulation.