VP Sara’s ‘no comment’ on Pax Silica sparks questions on presidential readiness

Vice President Sara Duterte’s response of “no comment” when asked about the US-led Pax Silica industrial hub initiative has sparked questions about her readiness to serve as the country’s highest public official in the future. The Pax Silica initiative aims to counter China’s strength in the tech manufacturing sector, particularly in the fabrication of computing components and chips, as well as the procurement of valuable rare earth materials needed for these technologies. The AI-focused industrial hub, spanning 1,600 hectares, is planned to be built in New Clark City, Tarlac, and is expected to process the country’s critical minerals and produce high-tech components for AI and semiconductor industries. The Philippines is among the 24 countries that signed the agreement, which also includes nations such as the US, Singapore, India, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other European nations. Duterte, who was in The Hague, Netherlands, to visit her father, detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, was asked for her opinion on the matter. When an overseas Filipino worker asked, “Ma’am, ny thoughts po about sa Pax Silica na balak po itayo sa Pilipinas?” Duterte replied, “Ano? Fax Sili?” prompted by a pro-Duterte vlogger to clarify, she asked again, “Fax Silic?” and finally responded, “Wala… I cannot comment on that.” Her answer drew widespread criticism online, with many questioning her lack of familiarity with the topic given her position as the country’s second-highest public official and her stated plans to run for president in the 2028 elections. Comments included, “Wants to be president? If you don’t know current issues, how can you lead?” and “Wants to be president? Doesn’t know current issues?” Political commentator Jesus Falcis also wrote, “HAHAHA FOX SILICA, ‘yan ba ang tatakbong Pangulo sa 2028?” Sara Duterte is the first individual to publicly express her intention to run as president in the 2028 national elections, saying she wants the country to pursue an independent foreign policy and take a harder line on addressing crime, illegal drugs, and terrorism. She is currently facing impeachment complaints over allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats against the First Couple and the then-former House Speaker. The Pax Silica project is being promoted as the country’s gateway to the global AI technology sector, with the site in New Clark City described as the first “AI-native industrial acceleration hub” under the initiative. It is intended to host semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging, advanced manufacturing, and AI infrastructure development. The government hopes the industrial hub will attract foreign investment, generate jobs, and help the country move beyond its role in low-value chip assembly toward high-value manufacturing. The Philippines is seen as an attractive partner due to its mineral resources, including copper deposits in areas such as Tampakan, South Cotabato, which are important for chip and wiring production. The initiative seeks to counter China’s strength in the tech manufacturing sector, with China reported to control 90% of rare earth refining, which is crucial for producing advanced chips. However, the initiative has also drawn criticism from advocacy groups and local residents over concerns about the potential displacement of farmers and residents, reported water scarcity in the Sacobia watershed, and the potential environmental effects of large-scale mining in areas already affected by deforestation, mine tailings, and contaminated rivers. Critics have also raised concerns that food security could be affected, as much of the land involved supports rice, coconut, and other agricultural production. In the US, concerns have also been raised about the impact of data centers on communities, including possible water shortages, increased heat, and noise pollution. Some projections have warned that by 2035, data centers could consume about four times more electricity than they do today. Information source: Interaksyon Politics