No Pax Silica announcement during ASEAN, US Envoy says - GMA Network

There is no scheduled announcement for the Pax Silica initiative in the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila, according to US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton on Saturday.

“No such announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone was ever planned. Decisions will be made in full consultation with the government of the Philippines at the appropriate time. As stated previously and as part of this process, we expect rigorous discussions on impacts to all stakeholders,” Lipton said.

The Philippines is set to hold the 49th ASEAN Summit and other related meets from November 16 to 18 at Pasay City, with several world leaders expected to attend — including US President Donald Trump.

The Pax Silica initiative, which is set to rise in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, has been the subject of controversy for several months in the Philippines.

There were initial reports that it would establish an AI data center, causing green groups to raise alarm on the project’s possible negative effects on the environment. The government has since stated that there will be no AI hub.

However, groups have still slammed the possible displacement of indigenous people who lived on the land. --VAL, GMA News