CA defers confirmation of PhilSA chief Marciano over qualifications

The Commission on Appointments (CA) has deferred the confirmation of Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. as the director-general of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

CA Majority Floor Leader Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. cited concerns regarding Marciano's qualifications and PhilSA's performance, particularly in agricultural development and disaster management.

Villafuerte questioned PhilSA's contributions and its engagement with local government units (LGUs) in providing satellite data, noting the agency's budget is a waste if it cannot predict climate events like El Niño and La Niña.

He highlighted the lack of shared data on potential disaster impacts, referencing severe flooding in Camarines Sur in October 2024 due to Tropical Storm Kristine.

Villafuerte scrutinized Marciano's fitness by asking him to enumerate provinces that will be affected by La Niña based on PhilSA's satellite data, which Marciano failed to provide accurately.

Marciano clarified that PhilSA collaborates with agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) by providing satellite images.

Senate President Francis Escudero, concurrent chairman of the CA, stated that Marciano's confirmation was considered bypassed, meaning he would have to be reappointed by President Marcos.