Palace Urges Petition Signatories of Pax Silica Project to Consider Benefits

Malacañang on Thursday called on those who signed the online petition against the proposed development of Pax Silica industrial tech hub in New Clark City, Tarlac to also try to understand the benefits of the project for the country. This came after certain groups launched signature campaigns and petitions opposing the Pax Silica, citing concerns about possible displacement, resource strain, and security threats. “Perhaps it would be better to also provide them with accurate information regarding the proposed Pax Silica and how it would benefit our country. This is because information that we currently see on social media about this project is mostly negative,” Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said at a press briefing. “We should provide the right information to our people. To everyone who signed the petition—we hope that when you signed, you were aware of the details regarding this. That you are not clueless, not ignorant about what Pax Silica is,” she added. Castro's remarks seemingly echoed Vice President Sara Duterte, who appeared caught off guard when asked for her opinion on the Pax Silica hub in a recent interview. Malacañang has assured the public that no farmers will be displaced by the Pax Silica, saying the site has been designated as a "buildable zone" since 2019. It also urged the public to direct any issues about the project to concerned government agencies, noting that provisions of the United States-led initiative may still be adjusted if necessary. — RSJ, GMA News