CA defers Philippines space chief’s appointment
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) chief’s appointment has been deferred amid concerns over his qualifications and the agency’s handling of climate data for disaster management.
PhilSA director general Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. would have to be reappointed by President Marcos as his confirmation was considered bypassed, according to Senate President Francis Escudero, concurrent chairman of the Commission on Appointments (CA).
The PhilSA remained inactive and lacked relevance under Marciano’s leadership, according to Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, CA majority leader.
Marciano has served as PhilSA’s first and only chief for the past five years, since the agency was established by law in 2019.
Villafuerte said Marciano could have initiated educational programs, noting the agency could utilize satellite imagery to predict flooding and other disasters.
“The agency’s budget of P1 billion or P2 billion is a waste... You can predict El Niño and La Niña but we haven’t heard from you,” Villafuerte said.
Sen. Cynthia Villar has suggested that Marciano prepare reports on how data gathered by the PhilSa could be used in agriculture and disaster management.
Meanwhile, the promotions of 36 foreign service and military officials have been approved by the CA.
Confirmed officials include Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, promoted to lieutenant general (three stars).
Nafarrete is the new commander of the military’s unified Western Mindanao Command, which oversees the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
Sen. Joel Villanueva has expressed support for the confirmation of 19 foreign service officials’ ad interim appointments.
Villanueva cited the confirmation of Domingo Nolasco as non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Estonia, alongside his role as ambassador to the Republic of Finland.
Congress is set to go on break on Feb. 7 for the May midterm elections. Sessions would resume on June 2 and adjourn sine die on June 13.
In another development, retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez has been named chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, replacing Moro Virgilio Lazo.
Executive