Malacañang on Friday called on critics of the Pax Silica initiative to engage in constructive dialogue rather than violent demonstrations, following a clash between youth activists and police officers in Taguig City.
The statement from Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro followed a Thursday standoff at the Grand Hyatt Manila, where protesters opposing the high-tech project attempted to enter the venue during the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Speaking at a press conference at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India, Castro emphasized that the administration respects public dissent but draws the line at physical conflict.
“Ang Pangulo po nire-recognize, ginagalang ang freedom of expression. Pero hindi po sa pamamaraang maaari kayong makapanakit o maaari pong dumaan ito o magdulot ng karahasan,” Castro stated.
Castro noted that hostility and public disruptions do not aid public understanding or resolve policy disagreements, encouraging aggrieved groups to directly reach out to the relevant state agencies instead.
“Hindi po ito parte ng isang freedom of expression. Kung mayroon silang nais na ipabatid patungkol sa issue ng Pax Silica, bukas ang ahensya ng pamahalaan na concerned dito sa project ng Pax Silica,” she said.
“Hindi masusulusyonan ang issue ninyo sa pamamanan nang mararahas na pagpoprotesta. Tayo po ay bansa na gumagamit ng tamang pag-e-evaluate, tamang pag-iisip, tamang pagdedesisyon,” Castro added.
Pax Silica is a flagship high-tech innovation hub planned for New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac under the broader LEC framework.
Designed to integrate the Philippines into global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, the project is projected to draw up to $70 billion in investments and create roughly 190,000 skilled jobs.