Secretary Abalos slams Norwegian AI center proponent over deplorable behavior

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has condemned the “deplorable" behavior of a Norwegian proponent during a public consultation on the proposed 50-megawatt hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Oton, Iloilo.

This came after data center developer Daniel Stefan Robertsen walked out of the venue, after several residents expressed opposition to the proposed AI data center campus, which would be built on a 10-hectare property in Barangay Abilay Sur, Oton.

During the public hearing held Friday, Robertsen became visibly upset as residents raised concern over the potential impact of the proposed project on water resources.

Before leaving the venue, he said he would not force anyone to build the data center.

“If you don’t want it, I don’t want it either. I will not force somebody,” he said. “If you think what I’ve said is something toxic and you don’t want it, let’s stop the discussion now.”

Robertsen, in a video posted on social media, was also seen insulting and cursing at local reporters covering the event.

He also threatened to take legal action against the reporters.

The incident drew the attention of Abalos, who criticized the Norwegian’s conduct.

Abalos stressed that foreigners should respect Filipinos and Philippine laws.

“His behavior is deplorable. Hindi mo dapat murahin o bastusin ang mga Pilipino, lalo na sa sarili naming bansa (You should not curse or disrespect Filipinos, especially in our own country),” he said in a statement.

“As a foreigner, he is expected to respect our people and our laws." (PNA)