The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) with support from the government of Japan, successfully hosted the Space Law Technical Advisory Mission (TAM) to the Philippines, in Quezon City from 04 to 06 November 2024. The three-day capacity-building activity, held at the Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa, aimed to strengthen the country’s legal and regulatory framework for space activities.
The TAM focused on the fundamental principles of space law, national legislation, and the national space activities in the Philippines – highlighting the authorization, licensing, liability, and insurance of space activities as well as the perspectives of industries and countries such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Germany.
The mission also aimed to raise national awareness of the fundamental principles of international space law, support the universalization of adherence to and implementation of existing normative framework governing space activities and support the responsible and sustainable growth of space activities in the country, focusing on authorization, licensing and continuing supervision of space activities.
PhilSA Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau (SPICB) Director, Atty. Noelle Riza D. Castillo, gave emphasis on the significance of the topics discussed in the TAM and how it can be an opportunity to deepen understanding of the existing ideas, concepts, and theories of a well-regarded practice in space law and governance. “These learnings will pave the way for the Philippines as we continue and further pursue a holistic approach in formulating policies, guidelines and principles that align with the current international landscape. What has been ingrained upon is that intentionally and thoughtfully crafted frameworks regarding licensing, registration, supervision, ownership, liability, insurance, etc., will guide, support, grow, and protect our national space activities,” she stated.
A multi-stakeholder dialogue was also achieved through discussions from panel of experts from UNOOSA, PhilSA, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs (DFA-OTLA), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), National Security Council (NSC), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Department of Finance – Special Concerns and Oversight (DOF-SCO), Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as well as local industry partners, and researchers from the academic community.
This marks the second UNOOSA TAM on Space Law in the Philippines. Similar to its previous conduct in 2022, the mission was made possible through a grant from the government of Japan to UNOOSA.
PhilSA remains committed to ensuring that the country upholds international space treaties and principles, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention. PhilSA’s efforts align with the Philippines’ goal to actively participate in shaping global space governance and fostering responsible space development.
Day 1 of Space Law TAM to the Philippines
Day 2 of Space Law TAM to the Philippines
Day 3 of Space Law TAM to the Philippines
