Space agency eyes satellite in flood control anti-corruption efforts

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is eyeing the use of a satellite set to launch next year to help monitor infrastructure projects, amid growing concerns over anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control programs.

During a budget hearing on the agency’s proposed 2026 budget on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Senate finance committee chair Win Gatchalian inquired about the possible use of the ₱2.6-billion Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite to aid in detecting and preventing corruption in public works.

Originally designed for disaster resilience and environmental conservation, among others, the MULA satellite could also play a key role in tracking infrastructure projects, PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez said.

“We humbly propose that the use of satellite technology and satellite images be integrated even at the start or design pa lang ng mga project natin as part of the monitoring tool,” Perez said.

“The space provides a unique vantage point. You can do a no-contact apprehension. Kaya nating makita kung anong nangyayari on the ground without being on the ground,” she added.

[Translation: We humbly propose that the use of satellite technology and satellite images be integrated even at the start - or design phase - of our projects, as part of the monitoring tool. Space provides a unique vantage point. You can do a no-contact apprehension. We can see what’s happening on the ground without actually being on the ground.]

Once in orbit, MULA will pass over the Philippines approximately twice a day, covering about one-third of the country’s land area. PhilSA is proposing a total of four MULA satellites to achieve full national coverage.

The first MULA satellite is scheduled for launch next year, with funding that began in 2021. A parallel mission is also in the works, with a proposed allocation of ₱496 million for its development.

“So with MULA, wala nang ghost projects?” Gatchalian asked, in reference to flood control projects found to be inexistent. “I’m making this very layman. I want to understand how the government’s ₱2.6-billion investment can help us fight corruption.”

Perez responded that MULA can “certainly” support anti-corruption efforts.

“With this information, we know what’s happening and we’ll use MULA together with the other satellite data sources as well,” she said.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta revealed that he had found at least 14 discrepancies in the coordinates of flood control projects listed on the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.

He challenged the space agency to “make your agency relevant” by helping verify project locations and other ant-fraud efforts.

“Pwede niyo bang madetect yung mga bangkong pinaglagyan ng mga kawatan na ito? Pwede niyo bang madetect ngayon kung nasaan si Zaldy Co,” Marcoleta asked, referring to allegedly corrupt officials and Rep. Zaldy Co, the former House appropriations chairman who has been out of the public eye amid the controversy.