Philippine Space Agency file image

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday deferred the confirmation of Joel Joseph Marciano as director general of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), citing concerns over the agency’s performance, lack of reliable data presented, and Marciano’s qualifications for the role.

During the deliberation on his ad-interim appointment, the CA questioned PhilSA’s contributions to key sectors and the agency’s handling of satellite data for agriculture and disaster mitigation.

Article continues after this advertisement

CA Majority Floor Leader Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. moved to defer Marciano’s confirmation, criticizing the agency’s inability to provide clear data.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Robredo: LP to navigate challenging times sans Lagman NEWSINFO SWS trust ratings for Marcos, Duterte continue to drop NEWSINFO Big biz group joins call to stop P200 wage hike

“Excuse me, honorable members. I think while they’re improving their data and all, I move to defer the consideration of this nominee. They cannot even answer simple questions,” Villafuerte said during the hearing.

Villafuerte questioned PhilSA’s role in agriculture and disaster response, as well as its engagement with local government units (LGUs) in providing satellite data.

Article continues after this advertisement

“While many people may not think that the Philippine Space Agency is a relevant agency, personally, I think it is very vital,” he said.

casino slots onlineArticle continues after this advertisement

However, he pointed out that PhilSA has not significantly contributed to agricultural policies or disaster management efforts.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I see here seminars, team building. What policy have you suggested for the national government to help on agriculture and disaster mitigation?” he asked Marciano.

Marciano explained that PhilSA provides satellite imagery to agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Article continues after this advertisement

“We are invited and we are participating in the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council where we have been turning around satellite imagery after disasters, especially flood extent maps. And just recently, with this reported grass fire in Ilocos Norte, we managed to turn around satellite images to the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),” Marciano said.

However, Villafuerte insisted that PhilSA should directly coordinate with LGUs instead of relying on other agencies.

“Just to clarify, you’re a cabinet rank and you should not blame the DENR and the NDRRMC. If you have that data, you should share that with local government units,” he said.

Villafuerte cited his own province, Camarines Sur, where severe flooding occurred in 2024.

“In the province of Camarines Sur, we suffered the worst flooding in history… a satellite image or projection would have helped, and we did not get it,” he said.

READ: 319 appointees up for confirmation

Questioning Marciano’s qualifications

Villafuerte also raised concerns about Marciano’s educational background, noting that while he is an electrical engineer, he has no formal training in space technology.

Marciano defended his expertise, citing his experience leading satellite development programs under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from 2014 to 2020.

“Prior to being appointed, I was program leader under DOST of the Diwata satellites when we built that po. We sent students to Japanese universities,” he said.

“We learned by experience in doing these projects under DOST,” he added.

However, Villafuerte urged him to accelerate his learning curve.

“I suggest you should learn on the job faster. Sayang kasi… your office is very important. It was created only five years ago, and you should be more relevant,” he said.

“You should be more proactive. You should let the Filipino people know that there is such an agency existing,” he added.

READ: Marcos orders gov’t agencies to bring space tech closer to Filipinos

In a statement on Monday, GSIS said the transport hub dubbed as ‘Project Hub’, will be located at the corner of the Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents the employees, is negotiating a new contract with the Oakland-based health giant. It said the strikers demand Kaiser hire more people to ease the burden put on the current staff.

Call for a detailed presentation

Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate committees on agriculture, food, agrarian reform, and the environment, recommended that PhilSA submit a detailed report on its plans for agriculture and disaster management.

Nonetheless, Villafuerte moved to defer Marciano’s confirmation, reiterating that PhilSA lacked proper data and failed to present its accomplishments and role effectively.

“You’re not preparing. You think you can just breeze through the CA without giving us your accomplishments, your fitness,” he said.

He also directed Marciano to prepare specific climate-risk data and ensure it is shared with key agencies.

“In the next meeting, you already have a list of La Niña-prone climate-risk provinces. Dapat ibigay mo ‘yan sa DPWH and others para ma-mitigate ‘yung flooding na yan,” Villafuerte noted.

(You should give that to the Department of Public Works and Highways and others to help mitigate the flooding.)

“And if those provinces mabaha at may mamatay, you should be indirectly responsible for not sharing that data,” he added.

(And if those provinces experience flooding and there are casualties, you should be indirectly responsible for not sharing that data.)

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Marciano’s ad-interim appointment as PhilSA director general was received by the CA on January 15lodi casino, 2025.

READ NEXT Escudero won’t comment on VP Duterte impeachment murmurs Marcoleta wants broadsheets invited to online disinformation p... EDITORS' PICK Olivia Rodrigo stuns in backless Versace gown at Grammys 2025 What is ‘Bayotic Refugia’? Trans artist Isola Tong explores ecological healing Surveys put 1Pacman in top tier of preferred partylists Sharon Cuneta draws praises for slim physique Lacuna hit for special permit requirement for events in Manila SC asks gov't to comment on petition vs 2025 budget MOST READ Surveys put 1Pacman in top tier of preferred partylists Gov’t ends 2024 with P16.05 trillion debt pile SC asks gov't to comment on petition vs 2025 budget Philippines's Dia Mate is Reina Hispanoamericana Best in National Costume Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments