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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Bakit minamadali?': Cendaña, Akbayan want House probe on mysterious Pax Silica

'Bakit minamadali?': Cendaña, Akbayan want House probe on mysterious Pax Silica

Published Jul 29, 2026 04:27 pm

At A Glance

  • Akbayan Party-list lawmakers file House Resolution No. 1227 seeking a comprehensive probe into Pax Silica, criticizing President Marcos' SONA commitment to include the Philippines as a site.
  • Deputy Minority Leader Perci Cendaña warns against the administration's rush to finalize a framework agreement by November, stressing the lack of transparency and due diligence in the deal.
  • The bloc insists that any foreign investment must safeguard sovereign interests, ecological integrity, and industrialization, with Congress hearing inputs from communities, unions, and civil society before proceeding.
The House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Akbayan Party-list is leading a call in the House of Representatives to conduct a comprehensive probe into Pax Silica or the United States (US)-led international advanced technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and rare earth minerals supply chain initiative. 
This, as Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña criticized President Marcos' SONA commitment to include the Philippines as a Pax Silica site.
The deputy minority leader criticized the Marcos administration’s apparent rush to join Pax Silica, despite the lack of transparency surrounding the deal.
The government is fast-tracking a framework agreement on Pax Silica by November in time for US President Donald Trump’s visit to Manila for the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit. 
“It is deeply troubling that the President is rushing to commit our country to Pax Silica while he has yet to disclose the full details of the deal. Bakit parang ginagawang “Fast Silica” ang Pax Silica? Bakit minamadali?” asked Cendaña. 
(Why does it seem like Pax Silica is being turned into ‘Fast Silica?’ Why the rush?)
“It is part of basic due diligence na usasain ang anumang kontrata (It is part of basic due diligence to scrutinize any contract). This is true most especially for any country entering into a trade deal or treaty.
"Delikadong pipirma siya sa isang agreement na hindi dinaan sa isang masusing pag-aaral,” he underscored.
(It is dangerous for him to sign an agreement that has not undergone thorough study.)
Cendaña joined fellow Akbayan Reform Bloc lawmakers Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Island lone district Rep. Kaka Bag-ao in filing House Resolution (HR) No.1227.
The measure seeks to conduct a comprehensive probe into Pax Silica and uncover its details.
Cendaña insisted that any foreign investment should pass stringent tests and contribute to the country’s industrialization.
“We cannot allow our country’s economic fate to be decided solely on unproven promises. Congress must steadfastly do its role in sifting through the details of Pax Silica and see if it promotes our country’s sovereign interests, uphold ecological integrity, create decent work, and lead to sustainable innovation and industrialization," he said.
The House probe will hear out the inputs from all stakeholders including affected communities, local governments, trade unions, farmers, indigenous peoples’ groups, environmental experts, and civil society.
Cendaña added that the inquiry must look out for provisions that might prove detrimental to national interests.
“Our historical experience tells us that we should approach promises from any superpower with skepticism. Every provision must be scrutinized for unfair provisions."
In his fifth SONA last Monday, July 27, Marcos cited the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub as the centerpiece of the country's push for an AI-driven economy.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) previously touted that Pax Silica will create nearly 200,000 and attract an estimated P180 billion in investments.

Related Tags

Akbayan Party-list Pax Silica Chel Diokno Perci Cendaña SONA Marcos
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