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

This, after lawmakers questioned and expressed their concerns over the PSA’s performance and Marciano’s qualifications for the role.

Marciano, an electrical engineer, was also questioned over his failure to present reliable data as well as present the agency’s accomplishments and role over the past years during his confirmation hearing.

While the PSA is a newly-created department, CA Majority Floor Leader Rep. Luis Villafuerte highlighted its role in the country’s disaster management efforts.

“While many people may not think that the PSA is a relevant agency, personally, I think it is very vital,” Villafuerte pointed out during the hearing.

The lawmaker further also pointed out PhilSA has not made any significant contribution to agricultural policies and disaster mitigation.

But Marciano said PhilSA provides satellite imagery to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The PSA chief said part of their job is to turn around satellite imagery after disasters, especially flood extent maps.

But Villafuerte criticized Marciano over the PSA’s lack of coordination with local government units (LGUs) saying the agency should have been also sharing relevant data to LGUs.

At the same time, the lawmaker noted that even though Marciano is an electrical engineer, he has no formal training in space technology.

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

Villafuerte, however, suggested to Marciano to accelerate his learning curve: “I suggest that you learn the job faster…your office is very important.”

“Though it was created only five years ago, you should be more relevant. You should be more proactive and let the Filipino people know that there is such an agency existing,” Villafuerte insisted.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, Agrarian Reform and Environment, asked Marciano to submit to the CA a detailed report on its plans for agriculture and disaster management.

Villafuerte then moved to defer Marciano’s confirmation but asked Marciano to prepare specific climate-risk data and share it with key government agencies.

In an interview, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Marciano’s confirmation was deemed bypassed, citing the lack of time for Congress to deliberate on his ad interim appointment.

Congress is set to adjourn plenary sessions on February 8, 2025.