Palace urges dialogue as protests mount over Pax Silica project

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged groups opposing the proposed Pax Silica development to raise their concerns through dialogue, following a confrontation between protesters and police outside a Luzon Economic Corridor investment forum in Taguig City.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognizes the public’s right to free expression but stressed that protests should not lead to violence or harm.

The appeal came after demonstrators opposing Pax Silica tried to approach the Grand Hyatt Manila on Sept. 10, where Marcos was attending the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum. Police and protesters were seen pushing against each other outside the venue.

Castro said groups with concerns about the project may bring them directly to the government agencies involved.

Protesters have raised concerns over the project’s potential impact on local communities, including farmers and Indigenous peoples, as well as questions over foreign involvement and control of strategic industries.

What is Pax Silica?

Pax Silica is a proposed high-tech industrial and innovation hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, under the broader Luzon Economic Corridor.

The government envisions the development as a base for industries involving semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority estimates the project could attract between $40 billion and $70 billion in investments once fully developed.

It is also projected to generate around 130,000 to 190,000 direct jobs, with hundreds of thousands more potentially created in supporting industries and supply chains.

The proposed hub covers around 1,620 hectares of New Clark City and remains in the development and investment-planning stage. Initial site development has been targeted for 2028.

Malacañang said the government remains open to concerns surrounding the project and urged critics to pursue discussions with the agencies overseeing its development rather than resorting to confrontations.