Several progressive groups in the Philippines are condemning United States President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit later this month, citing concerns over the controversial Pax Silica industrial hub initiative.
Trump is set to attend the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Pasay City from November 16 to 18.
During his visit, the American president is expected to advance US interests in the Indo-Pacific, as well as push forward major technological projects like the Pax Silica.
The initiative, which aims to strengthen US-led supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence and critical minerals, has drawn criticism from advocacy groups over fears that it could deepen the Philippines’ economic dependence on Washington while threatening local livelihoods, environmental resources and national sovereignty.
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‘Trump Out’
Members of the All Workers Unity alliance staged a protest at Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City on Friday to announce nationwide demonstrations scheduled for November 16 and 17.
Under the “Trump Out” campaign, the alliance is calling for a nationwide mobilisation to oppose US influence over Philippine economic policies, particularly the proposed Pax Silica deal, which they warn could threaten local livelihoods, workers’ rights and the country’s natural resources.
“We oppose the construction of Pax Silica across vast tracts of land in Central Luzon,” stated Ruby Bernardo, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
“It will consume large areas of lands, displacing Indigenous communities and workers’ families,” Bernardo lamented.
She also expressed concern over the enormous amount of water and electricity that the project would consume.
“These companies will charge for these resources and raise prices [to the public], with Filipino workers ultimately bearing the burden,” she warned, adding that the project could also disrupt farming and other livelihood activities around the area.
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Palace: ‘Deal yet to be finalised’
The visit has also fuelled speculation that the Philippines and the US could sign the proposed legal framework for Pax Silica during the ASEAN Summit.
Palace spokesperson Claire Castro said the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in co-ordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, had submitted the proposed legal framework to the Office of the President.
The BCDA will oversee the development and implementation of the proposed Pax Silica industrial hub in New Clark City in Tarlac.
However, Malacañang has yet to confirm whether it will finalise the agreement during Trump’s stay.
“The Department of Trade and Industry was also involved and provided guidance that BCDA will follow in negotiating and finalising the framework with its US counterpart,” Castro told journalists in a press conference.
“We are now waiting for the US response to the draft agreement,” she said.
Likewise, BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang said that “nothing concrete” had been finalized between the Philippine government and the US regarding the project.
“We want this project to push through starting with the signing of an agreement,” he said.
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