Palace urges peaceful dialogue on Pax Silica issue after protests

Malacañang on Friday called on groups raising concerns over the Pax Silica initiative to pursue a peaceful dialogue instead of resorting to violence during protests.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the call following a confrontation between youth protesters and police officers during the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City on Thursday, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attended.

In a press conference at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India, Castro stressed that while Marcos respects freedom of expression, protesters should avoid actions that could cause harm or violence.

“Ang Pangulo po nire-recognize, ginagalang ang freedom of expression. Pero hindi po sa pamamaraang maaari kayong makapanakit o maaari pong dumaan ito o magdulot ng karahasan (The President recognizes and respects freedom of expression. But it should not be exercised in a manner that court hurt others or lead to or cause violence),” Castro said.

Tensions flared as protesters expressing opposition to the Pax Silica initiative attempted to enter the hotel.

Castro stressed that resorting to shouting and violence would not help the public understand or resolve the issues being raised.

She urged protesters to engage appropriate government agencies to raise their concerns.

“Hindi po ito parte ng isang freedom of expression. Kung mayroon silang nais na ipabatid patungkol sa issue ng Pax Silica, bukas ang ahensya ng pamahalaan na concerned dito sa project ng Pax Silica (This is not part of freedom of expression. If they have something they want to communicate regarding the Pax Silica issue, the government agency concerned with the Pax Silica project is open to them),” Castro said.

“Hindi masusulusyonan ang issue ninyo sa pamamagitan nang mararahas na pagpoprotesta. Tayo po ay bansa na gumagamit ng tamang pag-e-evaluate, tamang pag-iisip, tamang pagdedesisyon (Your issues will not be resolved through violence protests. We are a country that believes in proper evaluation, proper thinking and proper decision-making),” she added.

Pax Silica, a proposed high-tech manufacturing and innovation hub under the LEC, aims to position the Philippines as a key player in global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

The proposed development at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac is expected to generate up to 190,000 high-quality jobs for Filipinos.

Once fully developed, the initiative could attract between USD40 billion and USD70 billion in investments, creating opportunities for Filipino engineers, researchers, computer science graduates, and other highly skilled professionals to build their careers in the country.

-Philippine News Agency