Vice President Sara Duterte brushed aside the online buzz over her viral “cannot comment” response when asked about the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Speaking before Filipino supporters in The Hague, Netherlands, on Wednesday, July 29, Duterte told pro-Duterte content creator Alvin of the “Alvin & Tourism” page not to be affected by the criticism he received over the viral exchange.
“Alvin, if they cannot respect a 'no comment,' you should not lose sleep over it. That is their problem. That is not your problem. Dapat sila ang ma-stress sa’yo, bakit ikaw ang naii-stress sa kanila?” Duterte said during a rally.
The controversy stemmed from Duterte’s response when the vlogger asked her about the government’s plan to establish the Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City.
Duterte declined to comment when asked about the issue.
“Ano-no? Fox sili? F*cks Silic?... Wala ako—no. I cannot comment on that,” Duterte said.
Her response quickly gained traction online, with critics questioning her apparent unfamiliarity with the proposed industrial hub.
To recall, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. previously highlighted the Pax Silica Industrial Hub during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, saying the project will generate quality jobs, strengthen the country’s competitiveness, and help revitalize the Philippine economy.
The initiative aims to establish a 1,620-hectare industrial hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, focusing on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor supply chains as part of the Luzon Economic Corridor.
