SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^
 
feenatE
•( tl}f i t m m t f
*16 
OEC-1 
A10:34
K E aiV C O B V 1.
SENATE
S.B. No. 1259
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
A 
PHILIPPINE 
SPACE 
DEVELOPMENT 
POLICY AND 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA), DEFINING ITS 
PURPOSE, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
This bill seeks to establish a National Space Development and Utilization Policy 
(NSDUP), which will serve as the country’s prim ary strategic roadm ap for space 
development and will embody the country’s goal of becoming a space-capable 
and space-faring nation within the next decade.
It m ust be considered th at the Philippines is lagging behind its neighboring 
countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, each having 
Space Agencies with satellites devoted on telecom m unications or earth 
monitoring. Due to lack of local support to this field, m any of our globally- 
competitive Filipino space scientists have instead opted to serve in space 
agencies abroad.
Space program s and development are not limited to sending astronauts to 
space or engineering space crafts and technologies, but they, in fact, address 
basic needs in our daily lives such as the application of global navigation 
satellite system s which directly affects industries, transportation m anagem ent, 
national security, health m anagem ent, and the expansion of scientific and 
engineering resources.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
—iX)REN LEGARDA
Senator


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
o( tJ)» iartttiarf
'16 
DEC -1 
AlO -34
SENATE
S.B. No. 1259
M C E IV tD IV :
In tro d u ced  by SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING 
A 
PHILIPPINE 
SPACE 
DEVELOPMENT 
POLICY AND 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhUSA), DEFINING ITS 
PURPOSE, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act shall be known as the “P hilippine Space
2 
A ct (PhilSA).”
3 
SEICTION 2. D eclaration o f Policy. -  It is hereby declared the policy of the
4 
State:
5 
(a) To safeguard Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, Philippine
6 
interest, and the right to self-determ ination as m andated by the Article II
7 
Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution;
8 
(b) To support and comm it to the development of science and technology
9 
th at will foster patriotism  and nationalism  and accelerate social progress,
10 
such as the development of space technology and applications for its
11 
security and for the benefit of its citizens;
12 
(c) To ensure access to space and its environs as a sovereign right and
13 
stipulates the need to create a national strategy for space development;
14 
(d) To recognize th at there is an urgent need to create a coherent and unified
15 
strategy for space development and utilization to keep up with other
16 
nations in term s of space science and technology;
17 
(e) To ensure that the Philippines has official representation in the
18 
international space com m unity for establishing cooperation agreem ents
19 
and linkages on space development;
20 
(f) To ensure that the Philippines abides by the various international space
21 
treaties and principles prom ulgated by the United Nations and becomes
22 
an active participant in the international space community;
23 
SECTION 3. D efinition o f T erm s. -  As used in this Act, the following term s
24 
are defined as follows:
25 
(a) PhilSA shall refer to the Philippine Space Agency created by virtue of this
26 
Act.
27 
(b) Space Science and Technology Applications or SSTA shall m ean the
28 
scientific principles and their applications to space science, engineering
29 
and other allied fields.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
(c) Satellites include all objects launched into Earth orbit and artificial objects
to be placed in orbit of celestial bodies or conduct space exploration.
SECTION 4. The P hilippine Space D evelopm ent and U tilization Policy. The
Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy, or the Philippine Space 
Policy, will serve as the country’s prim ary strategic roadm ap for space development 
and embodies the country’s central goal of becoming a space-capable and space- 
faring nation within the next decade. It shall focus on areas of SSTA that would 
address national issues, promote the efficient utilization of space assets and 
resources, establish capacity-building m easures for hum an resources development 
and enhance international cooperation.
SECTION 5: F ram ew ork o f th e  Space Policy. The Philippine Space Policy will 
focus on six (6) Key Development Areas (KDA) for SSTA development to ensure the 
State’s sustained progress:
a) National Security and Development -  The Philippines will focus on space 
applications th at can preserve and enhance the country’s national 
security and promote development that is beneficial to all Filipinos;
b) Hazard M anagem ent and Climate Studies -  The Philippines will develop 
and utilize space science and technology applications to enhance its 
hazard m anagem ent and disaster mitigation strategy as well as ensure 
the nation’s resiliency to climate change;
c) Space Research and Development -  To spur rapid scientific growth, the 
Philippines will focus on conducting research and development endeavors 
in vital areas of space science, technology and allied fields;
d) Space Industry Capacity Building -  The Philippines will create a robust 
and thriving space industry to support the country’s space program 
through private sector involvement and cooperation;
e) Space Education and Awareness -  The Philippines aim s to establish a 
sustainable 
pool 
of 
trained 
space 
scientists, 
engineers 
and 
com m unicators that will be critical for the country’s future space 
program  and increasing public aw areness on its value and benefits; and
f) International Cooperation — Through international partnerships and 
collaborations, the Philippines will become a key player in the ASEAN and 
global space com m unity by providing significant contributions and 
capabilities on space science and technology applications.
SECTION 6. C reation o f th e  Philippine Space Agency (PSA). -  A Philippine 
Space Agency, hereinafter referred to as the “PhilSA”, is hereby established as the 
central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to 
space science and technology applications.
SECTION 7. M andate -  The PhilSA shall be the prim ary policy, planning, 
coordinating, implementing, and adm inistrative entity of the Executive Branch of 
the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national space program in 
line with the Philippine Space Policy.
SECTION 8. Pow ers and F un ctions. -  The PhilSA shall exercise the following 
powers and functions:
Policy and Planning and Coordination
a. Assist the State in the creation, development and im plem entation of 
national and international space policies;
b. Plan, direct, m anage and implement program s and projects relating to 
scientific space research and development and the application of space 
technology;
I.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
c. Take hold of money, securities or other personal or moveable property 
by gift or bequest and expend, adm inister or dispose of any such 
money, securities or property subject to the term s, if any, on which 
the gift or bequest was made in such m anner as shall best promote 
the PhilSA’s objectives;
d. Im plem ent the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy;
e. Coordinate all space activities of various sectors and stakeholders in 
the Philippines;
Provide appropriate and accurate advice to the President of the 
Philippines and other government agencies on space-related issues 
and concerns;
f.
II. Improved Public Access and Resource-Sharing
a. Develop, construct, acquire, m anage, m aintain and operate space 
research, development and operation facilities and system s on behalf 
of the Philippine government for use of various governm ent agencies;
b. Assist D epartm ents and other agencies of the State in the utilization of 
SSTA to aid in the perform ance of their respective m andates and 
duties;
III. Research and Development
a. Perform basic and applied research and development relating to SSTA 
in collaboration with universities, industries and other institutions;
b. Design, develop and construct space system s and facilities necessary 
thereof, as well as launch, track and operate the satellites on behalf of 
the Philippine government;
c. Promote the growth of space science and technology through research 
and development;
IV. Education and Capacity Building
a. Establish program s that would develop space education and promote 
public awareness;
b. Provide grants and contributions in support of program s or projects 
relating to scientific or industrial space R&D and application of space 
technology;
c. Provide services and facilities for the use by entities conducting 
academ ic R8&D relating to SSTA;
V. Industry Development
a. Promote the development of a robust and vibrant local space industry 
and economy;
b. Promote the transfer and diffusion of space technology throughout the 
Philippine industry;
c. Encourage 
the 
commercial 
exploitation 
of 
space 
capabilities, 
technology, information, facilities and system s.
d. License, sell or otherwise make available any patent, copyright, 
industrial design, tradem ark, trade secret or other like property 
controlled;
e. Dissem inate the results of R&D activities and promote the utilization 
thereof, except when information is deemed confidential for national
3


1
2
welfare and security and for the protection of intellectual propertv 
rights;
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
VI. International Cooperation
a. Cooperate with space-related agencies of other countries in the 
peaceful use and development of space;
b. Enter into contracts, m em oranda of understanding/agreem ent or 
other arrangem ents in behalf of the State;
Establish and m aintain linkages with other national space agencies 
and organizations;
c.
SECTION 9. C om position. -  The PhilSA shall be an attached agency of the Office 
of the President for purposes of policy and program  coordination, to ensure 
alignm ent in national policies and priorities. It shall be headed by a Director 
General. The PhilSA proper shall be composed of the Office of the Director General, 
the Offices of the Deputy Directors and various Divisions to be created as deemed 
necessary.
SECTION 10. D irector G eneral of th e PhilSA. -  The Director General shall have 
the rank and com pensation of a Cabinet Secretary and shall be appointed by the 
President, subject to the confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The 
Director General shall have the following functions:
a) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of 
the PhilSA and its attached units;
b) Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient and economical 
operation of the PhilSA, in accordance with the program s of the 
government;
c) Review and approve requests for financial and m anpower resources of all 
operating offices of the PhilSA;
d) Designate and appoint officers and employees of the PhilSA, excluding the 
Deputy Directors, in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and 
regulations;
e) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the PhilSA in 
accordance with law, including their investigation and the designation of 
a committee or officer to conduct such investigation;
f) Coordinate with other D epartm ents, agencies and public and private 
interest groups, including non-governm ent organizations (NGOs) and 
people’s organizations (POs) on PhilSA policies and initiatives;
g) Prepare and subm it to the President through the D epartm ent of Budget 
and M anagem ent (DBM) an estim ate of the necessary expenditures 
during the next fiscal year, on the basis of the reports and estim ates 
subm itted by the divisions and offices under him /her;
h) Serve as a m em ber of the Government Procurem ent Policy Board (GPPB) 
as established by Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the Government 
Procurem ent Reform Act;
i) Serve as the Presidential Adviser on Space M atters and advise the 
President on the prom ulgation of executive and adm inistrative orders and 
formulation of regulatory and legislative proposals on m atters pertaining 
to SSTA development;
j) Form ulate such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers as 
may be required to im plem ent the objectives of this Act: and
k) Perform such other tasks as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
President.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
SECTION 11. D eputy D irectors. -  The Director General shall be assisted by three 
(3) 
Deputy Directors with 
the rank and com pensation of a D epartm ent 
Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon the recom m endation 
of the Director General: Provided, that two (2) of the Deputy Directors shall be 
career executive officers.
SECTION 12. Q ualifications. -  No person shall be appointed Director General or 
Deputy Director of the PhilSA unless he or she is a citizen and resident of the 
Philippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity with, with an advanced 
degree in Space Science, Astronomy, Physics, Engineering or related fields of 
study, with at least five (5) years of competence and expertise in any of the 
following: astrophysics, space science, aerospace engineering, space system s 
engineering, remote sensing space industry, or hum an capital development in the 
SSTA sector.
SECTION 13. T ransfer o f A stronom ical and S pace-related F unctions. -  To
consolidate the functions of PSA the following office/units shall be transferred 
from its parent agency;
a) Philippine 
Aerospace 
Development 
Corporation, 
D epartm ent 
of 
Transportation and Com m unication (DOTC)
b) Manila Planetarium , National M useum
c) Philippines Space Education Institute (DOST-SEl)
Non-Diminution of M andates -  Nothing in this Act shall dim inish the 
functions and responsibilities of the support agencies.
SECTION 14. S ep aratio n  and R etirem en t from  Service. — Employees who are 
separated from service within six (6) m onths from the effectivity of this Act as a 
result of consolidation a n d /o r reorganization under the provisions of this Act shall 
receive separation benefits to which they may be entitled under Executive Order 
No. 366, s. 2004: Provided, That those who are qualified to retire under existing 
retirem ent laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirem ent benefits to which 
they may be entitled under applicable laws and issuances.
SECTION 15. S tru ctu re an d  Staffing P attern . — Subject to the approval of the 
DBM, the PhilSA shall determ ine its organizational structure and create new 
divisions or units as it may deem necessary, and shall appoint officers and 
employees of the PhilSA in accordance with the civil service law, rules and 
regulations.
SECTION 16. M agna C arta. -  Qualified employees of the PhilSA and its attached 
units shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, known as the Magna Carta for 
Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and O ther Science and Technology personnel in 
the Government.
SECTION 17. A nnual R eport. - The PhilSA shall subm it to the President and to 
both Houses of Congress, not later than March 30 of every year following the 
effectivity of this Act, a report giving a detailed account of the status of the 
im plementation of this Act and recom mended legislation, where applicable and 
necessary.
SECTION 18. F unds o f th e  PhilSA. -  The funds of the PhilSA shall consist of:
a) the annual General Appropriation for the PhilSA;
b) Income, fees, royalties and other revenues obtained from any other 
sources;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
The funds shall be adm inistered by the Director General of the PhilSA in 
accordance with existing governm ent budgeting, accounting and auditing rules 
and regulations.
SECTION 19. P hilippine Space D evelopm ent Fund. -  There is hereby created 
the Philippine Space Development Fund to be used exclusively for the PhilSA. The 
Philippine Space Development Fund shall be adm inistered by the Director General 
of the PhilSA in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
auditing rules and regulations. The Philippine Space Development Fund shall be 
sourced from the following:
a) The am ount of ten billion pesos (P 10,000,000,000.00) to be taken from 
the share of the National Government in the gross income of the 
Philippine A m usem ent and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Bases 
Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). For five (5) years after 
the 
effectivity 
of this Act, 
an 
am ount of two 
billion 
pesos 
(P 
2,000,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the PSA. The entire 
am ount of ten billion pesos (P 10,000,000,000.00), including any interest 
income thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
b) Income from specialized products, services, and royalties produced bv the 
PhilSA.
c) Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations w hether from 
local or foreign sources. Provided, that the acceptance of grants, 
bequests, contributions and donations from foreign governm ents shall be 
subject to the approval of the President upon the recom m endation of the 
Director General of the PhilSA and Secretary of the D epartm ent of Foreign 
Affairs (DFA). The Director General with the approval of the NEDA and 
subsequently the D epartm ent of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the 
authority to enter into loan agreem ents with foreign financial institutions.
SECTION 
20. 
A ppropriations. 
-  The 
sum  
of One 
Billion 
Pesos 
(PHP 
1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as initial operating fund of the PhilSA, 
taken from the current fiscal year’s appropriation of the Office of the President! 
D epartm ent of Science and Technology, and D epartm ent of National Defense.' 
Thereafter, the am ount needed for the operation and m aintenance of the PhilSA 
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 21. Im p lem en tin g  Rules and R egulations. -  The PhilSA, DBM, CSC 
and other government agencies concerned shall issue within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
im plementation of this Act.
SECTION 22. S eparability C lause. -  If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 23. R epealing C lause. -  All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this 
Act are hereby repealed, am ended or modified accordingly.
SECTION 24. E ffectivity. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) new spapers of general circulation.
Approved,