Imee questions alleged proposed joint venture linked to Pax Silica project 

Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday questioned an alleged proposed joint venture connected to the controversial Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, claiming that a foreign entity could be involved.

At a press conference, Marcos said she received an alleged draft of the architecture of a proposed ESZ framework from the Department of Justice.

"So ang nakakagitla lang dito, bakit kinakailangan ng joint venture to own the land? Hindi ba Pilipinas ang may-ari ng lupa? Bakit hindi BCDA or 'di kaya ibang GOCCs na 100%?" she said.

(So what's startling here is, why is a joint venture needed to own the land? Isn't the Philippines the owner of the land? Why not the BCDA or other 100% [Filipino-owned] GOCCs?)

Marcos noted that the document allegedly provides that while the 60% of land ownership is by Filipinos, the 40% is allotted to foreign entities.

"Kahit sabihin pa nilang 60-40 yung joint venture at 60% yung Pilipino, yung 40% halos may-ari na ng lupa. Nagiging master tenant at siya na ang mamahala ng pagpapatakbo ng special ecozone," said Marcos.

(Even if they say the joint venture is 60-40 with Filipinos holding 60%, the 40% foreign side almost owns the land. They become the master tenant and take charge of running the special ecozone.)

"Bakit ganun? The master tenant is not Filipino. The JV is 60% Filipino. Bakit tinu-turnover natin ang control sa mga dayuhan?" she added.

(Why is that? The master tenant is not Filipino. The JV is 60% Filipino. Why are we turning over control to foreigners?)

Further, Marcos claimed that there were farmers from some Tarlac barangays who were allegedly being offered ₱300,000 for some hectares of land.

"Bakit hindi bibilhin? Wala bang makikinabang diyan, itong mga magsasaka na inaagawan ng lupa sa ₱300,000. Ayan na ba 'yan?" said Marcos.

(Why wouldn't it be bought? Won't anyone benefit from this, these farmers whose land is being taken for ₱300,000. Is that really it?)

"Hindi ako tutol sa Pax Silica ha, liliwanagin ko. Inaasahan natin at kailangan natin ang investment...Ang akin na lamang, aralin natin ito. Sana mali ako at hindi totoo ang dokumentong ito," she said.

(I am not opposed to Pax Silica, let me make that clear. We expect and need the investment... My point is simply that we study this. I hope I am wrong and that this document isn't real.)

GMA News Online reached to DOJ for a comment regarding the document and will post the same once available.

Under the Pax Silica initiative, the Philippines and the United States are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub envisioned as a model for artificial intelligence-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Progressive and environmental groups have raised concerns over the project's potential environmental and social impacts.

Malacañang earlier said provisions of the US-led initiative could still be revised if necessary. It also said that the project won't displace farmers. — RSJ, GMA News