Protestors, cops clash over Pax Silica outside Marcos event

Rallyists and cops clashed over the controversial Pax Silica initiative outside an event attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Taguig City.

In a "24 Oras" report from JP Soriano on Thursday, police officers and rallyists were seen pushing against each other outside a hotel lobby. They wished to send a message to Marcos and the foreign investors at the forum.

“Tayo po ay tumututol dito dahil tayo naniniwala na kung tatayo ay uunlad, ito ay dapat on our own terms, hindi po sa terms ng mga dayuhan at malalaking negosyante,” said Bayan chairperson Teddy Casiño.

(We oppose this because we believe that if we were to progress, it should be done on our own terms, not on the terms of foreigners and big businessmen.)

Inside the hotel, Marcos was speaking to foreign investors. While he did not mention the Pax Silica initiative, he encouraged them to invest in the Luzon Economic Corridor, which has a part that is close to the planned Pax Silica hub in Tarlac.

“Build your next enterprise here in the Philippines. Bring your capital, technology, your expertise. Develop Filipino talent and local suppliers,” Marcos said at the Luzon Economic Corridor Forum.

“We want more value to be created here through domestic processing, manufacturing, research, innovation, with strong environmental safeguards and clear benefits for affected communities,” he added.

Marcos also made mention of the development of critical minerals. The planned Pax Silica initiative also plans to use critical minerals to develop semiconductors.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton also made mention of developing New Clark City, the intended site for the Pax Silica initiative.

“In New Clark City, the United States and the Philippines are working together on an ambitious idea to attract investment in semiconductors, AI, and trusted technologies,” Lipton said.

Several agreements were already signed at the forum, with the US Trade and Development Agency saying that it will help expand port infrastructure in Subic Bay.

While some Japanese firms have expressed willingness to invest, they also expressed their doubts.

“We have also heard concerns regarding electricity prices, as well as the transparency and predictability of the investment environment,” Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Country Assistance Kato Yota said. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News