<0iftfl of
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1211
'o 
GCT 18 
P 5 :1 3
RFCHi V i.i) 3Y:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rocket ships, astronauts, and scenes from outer space are what often come to mind 
at the mention of Space Science, but there are much more practicai technologicai 
appiications to this discipiine that can benefit countries iike the Phiiippines.
in fact, both deveioped and developing countries alike, including our ASEAN 
neighbors, have respective aeronautics and space agencies to build their own spaceships 
and join the ranks of space-faring nations.
Little known to many Filipinos is that our country has a number of existing programs 
related to space scjpnce including PAGASA, which has astronomical science programs; the 
National Mapping & Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA), which requires gathering 
satellite information; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 
(NDRRMC), which handles disaster risk management.
Other applications of space science and technology crucial to our country's welfare 
are protection of national territory, natural resources accounting, and capacity building for 
telecommunications.
This bill seeks the creation of a Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), which shall be 
responsible for creating and enacting our nation's roadmap toward becoming fully 
participative in global space activity.
The PhilSA would be responsible for developing space science technology policies, 
implementirig research and education programs, and establishing industry linkages between 
private and public sector stakeholders. Lastly, the PhilSA would be our country's 
representation for international space agreements and arbitrations.


A Philippine Space Agency, with its consolidated programs and strategies for space 
science and technology, will pave the way for future Filipino astronomers, space scientists, 
and astronauts by laying down a strong foundation in space science education and research.
In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.
SenatoTTaolo Benigno "fam " A. Aquino IV


B
S
I
' 
(§ ffiri of thE ,.)■■*'■ c r■'t -!■ ji
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 
1 2 1 1
18 'i^5-A2
lUXiCiVKi) BY:
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in Congress 
assembied:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Phiiippine Space Act."
2 
SECTION 2. Declaration o f Policy. -  It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
3 
(a) To safeguard Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, Philippine interest, and the
4 
right to self-determination as mandated by the Article II Section 7 of the 1987
5 
Constitution;
6 
(b) To support and commit to the development of science and technology that will
7 
foster patriotism and nationalism and accelerate social progress, such as the
8 
development of space technology and applications for its security and for the benefit
9 
of its citizens;
10 
(c) To ensure access to space and its environs as a sovereign right and stipulates the
11 
need to create a national strategy for space development;
12 
(d) To recognize that there is an urgent need to create a coherent and unified strategy
13 
for space development and utilization to keep up with other nations in terms of
14 
space science and technology;
15 
(e) To ensure that the Philippines has official representation in the international space
16 
community for establishing cooperation agreements and linkages on space
17 
development; and
18 
(f) To ensure that the Philippines abides by the various international space treaties and
19 
principles promulgated by the United Nations and is an active participant in the
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international space community.
21 
SECTION 3. Definition o f Terms. -  As used in this Act the following terms shall mean:
22 
(a) PhilSA refers to the Philippine Space Agency created by virtue of this Act.
23 
(b) Space Science and Technology Applications (SSTA) refers to the scientific principles
24 
and their applications to space science, engineering and other allied fields.
1


1 
(c) Satellites include all objects launched into Earth orbit and artificial objects to be
2 
placed in orbit of celestial bodies or conduct space exploration.
3 
SECTION 4. The Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy. -  The Philippine
4 
Space Development and Utilization Policy, or the Philippine Space Policy, will serve as the
5 
country's primary strategic roadmap for space development and will embody the country's
6 
central goal of becoming a space-capable and space-faring nation within the next decade. It
7 
shall focus on areas of SSTA that would address national issues, promote the efficient
8 
utilization of space assets and resources, establish capacity-building measures for human
9 
resources development and enhance international cooperation.
10 
SECTION 5. Framework o f the Space Policy. -  The Philippine Space Policy will focus on six
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(6) Key Development Areas (KDAs) for SSTA development to ensure the State's sustained
12 
progress;
13 
(a) National Security and Development -  The Philippines will focus on space applications
14 
that can preserve and enhance the country's national security and promote
15 
development that is beneficial to all Filipinos;
16 
(b) Hazard Management and Climate Studies -  The Philippines will develop and utilize
17 
space science and technology applications to enhance its hazard management and
18 
disaster mitigation strategy as well as ensure the nation's resiliency to climate
19 
change;
20 
(c) Space Research and Development -  To spur rapid scientific growth, the Philippines
21 
will focus on conducting research and development endeavors in vital areas of space
22 
science, technology and allied fields;
23 
(d) Space Industry Capacity Building -  The Philippines will create a robust and thriving
24 
space industry to support the country's space program through private sector
25 
involvement and cooperation;
26 
(e) Space Education and Awareness -  The Philippines aims to establish a sustainable
27 
pool of trained space scientists, engineers and communicators that will be critical for
28 
the country's future space program and increasing public awareness on its value and
29 
benefits;
30 
(f) International Cooperation -  Through international partnerships and collaborations,
31 
the Philippines will become a key player in the ASEAN and global space community
32 
by providing significant contributions and capabilities on space science and
33 
technology applications.
34 
SECTION 6. Creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). -  A Philippine Space Agency,
35 
hereinafter referred to as the PhilSA, is hereby established as the central government
36 
agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space science and technology
37 
applications.
38 
SECTION 7. Mandate. -  The PhilSA shall be the primary policy, planning, coordinating,
39 
implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will
40 
plan, develop, and promote the national space program in line with the Philippine Space
41 
Policy.


1 
SECTION 8. Powers and Functions. -  The PhilSA shall exercise the following powers and
2 
functions:
3
1.
4
(a)
5
6
(b)
7
8
(c)
9
10
11
12
(d)
13
(e)
14
(f)
15
16
II.
17
(a)
18
19
20
(b)
21
22
III.
23
(a)
24
25
(b)
26
27
(c)
28
29
IV.
30
(a)
31
32
(b)
33
34
(c)
35
36
V.
37
(a)
Policy, Planning and Coordination
Assist the State in the creation, development and implementation of national and 
international space policies;
Plan, direct, manage and implement programs and projects relating to scientific 
space research and development and the application of space technology;
Take hold of money, securities or other personal or moveable property by gift or 
bequest and expend, administer or dispose of any such money, securities or 
property subject to the terms, if any, on which the gift or bequest was made in such 
manner as shall best promote the PhilSA's objectives;
Implement the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy;
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;
Improved Public Access and Resource-Sharing
Develop, construct, acquire, manage, maintain and operate space research, 
development and operation facilities and systems on behalf of the Philippine 
government for use of various government agencies;
Assist Departments and other agencies of the State in the utilization of SSTA to aid in 
the performance of their respective mandates and duties;
Research and Development
collaboration with universities, industries and other institutions;
Design, develop and construct space systems and facilities necessary thereof, as w 
as launch, track and operate the satellites on behalf of the Philippine government; 
Promote the growth of space science and technology through research ai 
development;
IV. 
Education and Capacity Building
awareness;
Provide grants and contributions in support of programs or projec 
scientific or industrial space R&D and application of space technology; 
Provide services and facilities for the use by entities conducting a 
relating to SSTA;


1 
(b) Promote the transfer and diffusion of space technology throughout the Philippine
2 
industry;
3 
(c) Encourage 
the 
commercial 
exploitation 
of space 
capabilities, 
technology,
4 
information, facilities and systems.
5 
(d) License, sell or otherwise make available any patent, copyright, industrial design,
6 
trademark, trade secret or other like property controlled;
7 
(e) Disseminate the results of R&D activities and promote the utilization thereof, except
8 
when information is deemed confidential for national welfare and security and for
9 
the protection of intellectual property rights;
10
VI. 
International Cooperation
11 
(a) Cooperate with space-related agencies of other countries in the peaceful use and
12 
development of space;
13 
(b) Enter 
into 
contracts, 
memoranda 
of 
understanding/agreement 
or 
other
14 
arrangements in behalf of the State;
15 
(c) Establish and maintain linkages with other national space agencies and
16 
organizations.
17 
SECTION 9. Composition. -  The PhilSA shall be an attached agency of the Office of the
18 
President for purposes of policy and program coordination, to ensure alignment in national
19 
policies and priorities. It shall be headed by a Director General. The PhilSA proper shall be
20 
composed of the Office of the Director General, the Offices of the Deputy Directors and
21 
various Divisions to be created as deemed necessary.
22 
SECTION 10. Director Generai o f the PhiiSA. -  The Director General shall have the rank and
23 
compensation of a Cabinet Secretary and shall be appointed by the President, subject to the
24 
confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The Director General shall have the
25 
following functions:
26 
(a) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the PhilSA
27 
and its attached units;
28 
(b) Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient and economical operation
29 
of the PhilSA, in accordance with the programs of the government;
30 
(c) Review and approve requests for financial and manpower resources of all operating
31 
offices of the PhilSA;
32 
(d) Designate and appoint officers and employees of the PhilSA, excluding the Deputy
33 
Directors, in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations;
34 
(e) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the PhilSA in accordance
35 
with law, including their investigation and the designation of a committee or officer
36 
to conduct such investigation;
37 
(f) Coordinate with other Departments, agencies and public and private interest groups,
38 
including non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) on
39 
PhilSA policies and initiatives;
40 
(g) Prepare and submit to the President through the Department of Budget and
41 
Management (DBM) an estimate of the necessary expenditures during the next fiscal


1 
year, on the basis of the reports and estimates submitted by the divisions and offices
2 
under him/her;
3 
(h) Serve as a member of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) as
4 
established by Republic Act No. 9184;
5 
(i) Serve as the Presidential Adviser on Space Matters and advise the President on the
6 
promulgation of executive and administrative orders and formulation of regulatory
7 
and legislative proposals on matters pertaining to SSTA development;
8 
(j) Formulate such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers as may be
9 
required to implement the objectives of this Act; and
10 
(k) Perform such other tasks as may be provided by law or assigned by the President.
11 
SECTION 11. Deputy Directors. -  The Director General shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy
12 
Directors with the rank and compensation of a Department Undersecretary who shall be
13 
appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Director General: Provided,
14 
That two (2) of the Deputy Directors shall be career executive officers.
15 
SECTION 12. Qualifications. -  No person shall be appointed Director General or Deputy
16 
Director of the PhilSA unless he or she is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, of good
17 
moral character, of proven integrity, with an advanced degree in Space Science, Astronomy,
18 
Physics, Engineering or related fields of study, with at least five (5) years of competence and
19 
expertise in any of the following: astrophysics, space science, aerospace engineering, space
20 
systems engineering, remote sensing space industry, or human capital development in the
21 
SSTA sector.
22 
SECTION 13. Transfer o f Astronomical and Space-related Functions. -  To consolidate the
23 
functions of PhilSA the following shall be transferred from their parent agency;
24 
(a) Philippines Aerospace Development Corporation - Department of Transportation
25 
(DOTr)
26 
(b) Manila Planetarium, National Museum
27 
(c) Philippines Space Education Institute, Department of Science and Technology-
28 
Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)
29 
Nothing in this Act shall diminish the functions and responsibiiities of the support agencies.
30 
SECTION 14. Separation and Retirement from Service. -  Employees who are separated from
31 
service within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act as a result of consolidation
32 
and/or reorganization under the provisions of this Act shall receive separation benefits to
33 
which they may be entitled under Executive Order No. 366, series of 2004: Provided, That
34 
those who are qualified to retire under existing retirement laws shall be allowed to retire
35 
and receive retirement benefits to which they may be entitled under applicable laws and
36 
issuances.
37 
SECTION 15. Structure and Staffing Pattern. -  Subject to the approval of the DBM, the
38 
PhilSA shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions or units as it
39 
may deem necessary, and shall appoint officers and employees of the PhilSA in accordance
40 
with the civil service law, rules and regulations.


1 
SECTION 16. Magna Carta. -  Qualified employees of the PhilSA and its attached units shall
2 
be covered by Republic Act No. 3439, known as Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers,
3 
Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in the Government.
4
5
6 
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SECTION 17. Annual Report. - The PhilSA shall submit to the President and to both Houses 
of Congress, not later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this 
Act, a report giving a detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act and 
recommended legislation, where applicable and necessary.
8 
SECTION 18. Funds o f the PhilSA. -  The funds of the PhilSA shall consist of:
9 
(a) The Annual General Appropriation for the PhilSA;
10 
(b) Income, fees, royalties and other revenues obtained from any other sources.
11 
The funds shall be administered by the Director General of the PhilSA in accordance with
12 
existing government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
13 
SECTION 19. Philippine Space Development Fund. -  There is hereby created the Philippine
14 
Space Development Fund to be used exclusively for the PhilSA. The Philippine Space
15 
Development Fund shall be administered by the Director General of the PhilSA in
16 
accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and
17 
regulations. The Philippine Space Development Fund shall be sourced from the following:
18 
(a) The amount of ten billion pesos (P 10,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the share of
19 
the National Government in the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and
20 
Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Bases Conversion and Development
21 
Authority (BCDA). For five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, an amount of two
22 
billion pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the PhilSA. The entire
23 
amount of ten billion pesos (P 10,000,000,000.00), including any interest income
24 
thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
25 
(b) Income from specialized products, services, and royalties produced by the PhilSA.
26 
(c) Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations whether from local or
27 
foreign sources. Provided, That acceptance of grants, bequests, contributions and
28 
donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the approval of the
29 
President upon the recommendation of the Director General of the PhilSA and
30 
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Director General with the
31 
approval of the NEDA and subsequently the Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby
32 
granted the authority to enter into loan agreements with foreign financial
33 
institutions.
34 
SECTION 20. Appropriations. -  The sum of One Billion Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is
35 
hereby appropriated as initial operating fund of the PhilSA, taken from the current fiscal
36 
year's appropriation of the Office of the President, Department of Science and Technology,
37 
and Department of National Defense. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation and
38 
maintenance of the PhilSA shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.


1 
SECTION 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within ninety (90) days from the
2 
effectivity of this Act, PhilSA, in coordination with DBM, CSC and other relevant government
3 
agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
4 
implementation of this Act.
5 
SECTION 
22. Separability Clause. 
-  Should 
any 
provision 
herein 
be 
declared
6 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.
7 
SECTION 23. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other
8 
issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
9 
modified accordingly.
10 
SECTION 24. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
11 
Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
12 
Approved,