The Senate will convene as a Committee of the Whole to examine the Pax Silica initiative, assembling all members of the Upper Chamber into a unified panel to review the high-stakes project.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri motioned to refer the matter to the entire chamber during the plenary session on Tuesday, September 8.
“So that all members can be represented. All Committee Chairs can be represented but you’re the presiding officer, Mister President,” Zubiri said, addressing Senate President Win Gatchalian.
“And I think it would be best to show that we are serious either in support or we’re concerned about Pax Silica because it’s really a very, very important measure that needs to be given undue attention and the discussions will not be limited only to the environment and economic affairs,” he added.
Serving as vice-chairpersons of the panel are the heads of key standing committees: Senator Raffy Tulfo (Environment), Senator Robin Padilla (Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs), Senator Risa Hontiveros (Economic Affairs), and Senator Bam Aquino (Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship). Zubiri will also act as a vice-chairperson in his capacity as head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Senate President Gatchalian approved the motion, highlighting the need for prompt evaluation given the active status of the project.
“I will heed to your suggestion. With that motion, is there any objection? Hearing none, the motion of the Majority Leader to create the Paxilica Committee of the Whole is approved,” Gatchalian said.
This marks a rare full-body convening for the Senate, which previously transformed into a Committee of the Whole during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 agricultural smuggling probe.
The proposed Pax Silica initiative in New Clark City, Tarlac, has stirred controversy over potential threats to energy security and environmental degradation, while local residents have raised alarms over possible displacement.