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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara revives Pax Silica buzz, tells supporter not to stress after 'cannot comment' issue

VP Sara revives Pax Silica buzz, tells supporter not to stress after 'cannot comment' issue

Vice President's latest remarks in The Hague revive online discussion of her earlier refusal to comment on the proposed AI industrial hub in Tarlac

Published Jul 30, 2026 01:27 pm

At A Glance

  • VP Sara Duterte's mention of "Pax Silica" during a speech in The Hague revived online discussion over her earlier "no comment" response about the AI project.
  • She joked that organizer Alvin should not lose sleep over criticism stemming from her refusal to comment on the issue.
  • Pax Silica is a U.S.-led, 23-nation AI initiative that includes plans for data centers in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks before supporters in The Hague on July 29, 2026, where her brief reference to "Pax Silica" revived online discussion over her earlier refusal to comment on the proposed AI industrial hub in Tarlac. (Screengrab: OVP)
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks before supporters in The Hague on July 29, 2026, where her brief reference to "Pax Silica" revived online discussion over her earlier refusal to comment on the proposed AI industrial hub in Tarlac. (Screengrab: OVP)
Vice President Sara Duterte inadvertently mentioned "Pax Silica" during a speech before supporters in The Hague, reviving online discussion over her earlier refusal to comment on the proposed artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in Tarlac.
While thanking organizers of the July 29 gathering in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President singled out an organizer named Alvin and joked about him losing sleep over "Pax Silica."
Alvin & Tourism is a Philippine social media page and livestreaming channel hosted by content creator Alvin Dave Sarzate.
"And Alvin, na nawalan ng tulog dahil sa (who lost sleep over) Pax Silica," Duterte said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
She then added: "Alvin, if they cannot respect a 'no comment,' you should not lose sleep over it. That is their problem. That is not your problem."
"Dapat sila ang ma-stress sa'yo, bakit ikaw ang nai-stress sa kanila?" ("They should be the ones stressed about you—why are you the one getting stressed over them?"), Duterte said.
The Vice President did not elaborate on the remark, but it appeared to reference an earlier exchange in which she declined to comment on the controversial project.
Earlier 'cannot comment' response
According to a video released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on July 29, Duterte was asked in The Hague about Pax Silica, a planned AI industrial hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, that has generated debate on social media over its potential environmental and social impacts.
The Vice President appeared momentarily taken aback when asked about the project and initially struggled to pronounce "Pax Silica." When asked for her reaction, Duterte replied: "Wala (Nothing), I cannot comment on that."
The supporter had first asked: "Hindi (no), ma'am. Pax Silica. Do you know anything about that?" Duterte then repeated that she could not comment.
Duterte’s brief remark of “I cannot comment” ignited widespread discussion across social media.
Many users questioned her familiarity with the proposed Pax Silica initiative, while others defended her choice to withhold a statement. The exchange quickly became a trending topic, spawning memes and humorous posts that circulated online at speed.
What is Pax Silica?
Pax Silica is part of a 23-nation initiative led by the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the project would bring data centers to New Clark City and "bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy."
The U.S. State Department, during the initiative's launch in December 2025, described Pax Silica as "a new kind of international grouping and partnership" aimed at bringing together countries hosting some of the world's most advanced technology companies to unlock the economic potential of the AI era.
Speech focused on Duterte's ICC case
The reference to "Pax Silica" came at the beginning of Duterte's speech, which largely focused on defending former President Rodrigo Duterte against the International Criminal Court (ICC), criticizing the tribunal's jurisdiction, and renewing her call for his immediate release from detention in The Hague.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/30/vp-sara-calls-for-immediate-release-of-ex-president-rodrigo-duterte-says-icc-detention-is-unjust 

Related Tags

VP Sara Duterte Pax Silica AI industrial hub Tarlac The Hague Rodrigo Duterte ICC
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