Philippines Explores Satellite Technology to Combat Corruption in Flood Control Projects

Senators in the Philippines are exploring an innovative approach to reduce corruption in flood control projects by leveraging space technology. Officials from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) highlighted the potential of the new Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, a 130-kilogram spacecraft scheduled for launch next year, to oversee the implementation of infrastructure projects remotely.

During a recent budget session, PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez emphasized that the MULA satellite offers a "unique vantage point" and an "objective basis" for monitoring projects, allowing officials to verify progress without constant physical site inspections. The satellite’s data can be cross-checked with field visits for enhanced accuracy.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, acknowledging the government’s investment of P2.6 billion in the satellite since 2021, expressed optimism about its potential to prevent up to P270 billion in corruption related to flood control initiatives. He remarked, "I’m trying to find out how a government investment of P2.6 billion will help us fight corruption."

Gatchalian further noted that the satellite’s real-time imaging capabilities could enable authorities to track the status of river infrastructure developments effectively. "That’s the capability of the system. So we’re investing P2.6 billion, but we’re also avoiding P270 billion in corruption," he said, referring to the total budget allocated for flood control projects under review.

Currently, the MULA satellite will cover approximately one-third of the country upon deployment. PhilSA plans to launch additional satellites in the future to achieve full nationwide coverage, expanding the scope of remote monitoring and strengthening efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects.