Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 563, seeking an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the potential economic impact of the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, including its possible effects on workers and communities.
In the resolution, Hontiveros said there is a need to determine whether the project will fulfill its economic promises while protecting the welfare of Filipinos.
“There is a need to thoroughly assess the community, regional and national economic impact of the Pax Silica Initiative and all affiliated projects, and verify if the initiative will truly serve the economic interests of Filipinos—both at the macro and grassroots levels,” the resolution stated.
Pax Silica, a United States-led initiative, aims to attract large-scale investments, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and position the Philippines as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the project would “bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy.”
Hontiveros, however, raised concerns over the possible displacement of Aeta and farming communities near the proposed 4,000-acre project site within the Luzon Economic Corridor.
“News reports and warnings by advocacy groups point to the looming displacement and disruption to the livelihood of people living within and outside the project area,” the resolution read.
The senator also cautioned that while the project is expected to generate employment, Filipino workers involved in developing and training artificial intelligence systems could eventually be displaced by the same technology.
“We cannot evaluate an investment based on its headline value alone. The Philippines needs capital with purpose—investment that creates decent jobs, strengthens local industries, protects communities and the environment, and safeguards our digital security and national sovereignty,” Hontiveros said in the resolution.
