Labor alliance opposes Trump’s planned Philippine visit, calls for rejection of Pax Silica

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 06, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan/Facebook

A labor alliance has joined growing opposition to US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Philippines, urging the government to reject the US-led Pax Silica initiative, which it claims could prioritize American economic and military interests over Filipino workers and communities.

The Silica Labor Alliance said Trump’s expected arrival for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila from November 16 to 18 should not be treated as an ordinary diplomatic engagement.

The group raised concerns over the proposed Pax Silica framework, an initiative designed to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence and other critical technologies.

Under the plan, the Philippines is expected to host a major advanced manufacturing and technology hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, as part of efforts to attract investments and strengthen the country’s role in global technology production.

However, labor groups and other progressive organizations have questioned who would ultimately benefit from the project.

They warned that the proposed development could affect workers, farmers and Indigenous communities, particularly Aeta residents whose ancestral lands are near the planned industrial zone.

Critics have also raised concerns about possible displacement, environmental damage and the project’s demand for water and electricity.

The alliance’s opposition comes as various progressive groups prepare demonstrations against Trump’s visit under the campaign slogan “Trump Out.”

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and other organizations have announced a series of protest activities leading up to and during the ASEAN Summit, calling for an end to what they describe as excessive US influence in Philippine economic and security policies.

Malacañang, meanwhile, has assured the public that farmers and Indigenous Peoples will not be displaced by the planned facilities, saying the structures would be placed within designated buildable areas.

The Palace has also said that the proposed agreement remains under discussion, with no confirmed date for its signing.

The government has presented Pax Silica as an opportunity to attract investments, create skilled jobs and strengthen the Philippines’ semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries.

The debate over the initiative is expected to intensify as the country prepares to host regional leaders and the US president later this month.