Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. called for greater transparency on the proposed Pax Silica project, saying the government appears to be moving faster in advancing the initiative than in addressing public concerns.
“We are moving faster than answering questions, than transparency,” said Ortiz-Luis on the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) 3rd General Membership Meeting on Wednesday.
“I am not against Pax Silica, but I have questions that need to be answered,” he reiterated.
Ortiz-Luis, a former PCCI president who currently sits on the chamber’s board of directors, said one of his primary concerns is the lack of public consultation. He said the project was presented to the public only after key developments were already underway.
He also raised concerns over the reported displacement of farmers and Aeta communities from their farmlands and ancestral domains.
Ortiz-Luis likewise questioned the project’s projected demand for electricity and water, citing the requirements of the data centers expected to locate within the proposed 1,620-hectare AI Innovation Hub in New Clark City.
He also sought clarification on reports that U.S. laws would apply within the hub and that the facility would be accorded a status similar to that of an American embassy.
In addition, Ortiz-Luis questioned the project’s projected employment benefits, saying the expected job generation may be overstated. He noted that technology hubs in China now employ relatively few workers because many functions have already been replaced by artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, he revealed his distrust on U.S. President Trump. “I love the American people, but I do not trust Trump,” he said.
