All Pax SIlica issues to be 'properly addressed', says envoy

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manual “Babe” Romualdez said that all of the issues concerning the controversial Pax Silica initiative will be addressed.

The Pax Silica initiative has been criticized by various groups, with many citing its negative impact on the environment and the possible displacement of local indigenous people. Others criticized the project’s lack of transparency.

“All the issues that are being raised would be properly addressed,” Romualdez said.

“Obviously, if it's not good for the country, I don't think President Marcos will agree to it. But so far, the way it looks, it's going to be good for the country,” he added.

Romualdez stressed that the Philippines needed to raise the value of its critical minerals with economic cooperation with the United States.

The envoy also said that the agreement with the US over Pax Silica will be transparent, which includes a possible hearing in the Senate.

Since Pax Silica is a US-led initiative, the issue was again raised with the expected visit of US President Donald Trump to the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Malacañang previously confirmed that Trump will visit the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit, however, it remained mum on whether the Pax Silica initiative was to be discussed.

The Pax Silica agreement is expected to be signed by November, the same month that Trump is in the Philippines. –NB, GMA News