US, Malacañang urged: ‘Disclose the true nature of Pax Silica’

CAGAYAN DE ORO — A network of anti-imperialist groups has urged Malacañang and the United States (US) to disclose the true nature of the Pax Silica initiative, a reported economic coalition that aims to strengthen the artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains.

The Philippine chapter of the International League of Peoples’ Struggles (ILPS) issued the call after US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg disclosed in an interview that one of the phases of the initiative includes the US State Department’s move of “taking into custody” (land and property) the proposed 1,600-hectare industrial hub in Luzon to be established under the said partnership.

However, this request from the US was denied as confirmed by Joshua Bingcang, president and chief executive of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), according to several media reports, adding that the initiative remains a “regular business development contract.”

Arnold Padilla, ILPS Philippines spokesperson, said that regardless of the hub’s status, the fact remains that a huge portion of the nation’s land will be used for the production of AI supply chains, which they viewed as an undertaking meant to serve the US industrial and military needs.

“This alone should already be a serious cause for concern and a compelling reason for the Filipino people to reject the project,” Padilla said in a statement sent to Bulatlat.

On April 16, the Philippine government signed the declaration, making the country the 13th Pax Silica signatory. The 1,600-hectare industrial hub under the partnership has been branded as an economic security zone.

Helberg visited the Philippines and led the unveiling on Monday, May 18, of the hub’s proposed site to be located in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Photo courtesy of the People’s Television Network

Helberg revealed that there are two phases of the Pax Silica initiative in the country. Aside from supposedly taking the hub into custody, the second one pertains to long-term development, saying they have a two-year window to negotiate the details with their Filipino counterpart. These include legal safeguards for investors and taxation, to name a few.

The US undersecretary also said that the AI supply chains are not limited to chips but also include other inputs such as precision reducers, servo motors, earth magnets, and actuators, among others. 

Progressive groups and lawmakers opposed the US-led initiative. For them, the national government’s involvement makes the country become part of “war production” given the essential function of semiconductors—the Philippines’ reported top export—and advanced electronics in manufacturing military machinery.

Read: ‘Pax Silica’ initiative seen as war production, environment destruction

Padilla said all US’ recent involvement demonstrates how the US expanded and deepened its “neocolonial domination” in the country under the Marcos Jr. presidency. “We demand that the Philippine Congress investigate the Marcos Jr. regime’s agreement with the US for subverting the national interests and possible violations of the Constitution,” he added.

Read: Philippines as a US military base?

He also called on the Filipino people to oppose the project, as it also undermines the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. (RVO)

The post US, Malacañang urged: ‘Disclose the true nature of Pax Silica’ appeared first on Bulatlat.