The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that it is prepared to review the legal agreements and potential constitutional issues surrounding the Pax Silica initiative, a massive high-tech industrial project facing mounting criticism.
Speaking at a press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty explained that while economic agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) are currently leading the initiative, the DOJ expects to step in given the scale of the development.
“Obviously considering the magnitude of this project, this endeavor. DOJ will play a role, when the time comes, to look into the agreements as well as the legality of the entire process. If it does get to that point, we’ll be ready,” Ty said.
Planned as an artificial intelligence hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, the Pax Silica initiative is a joint endeavor between the Philippines and the United States.
Despite government assurances that the project will generate jobs and boost economic revenue, it has sparked strong backlash from advocacy groups.
Environmentalists warn that its operations will require massive amounts of water and energy, while local organizers express concern over the potential displacement of farmers and indigenous communities.
When pressed on whether the department has begun looking into constitutional questions regarding the agreement, Ty noted that the DOJ is keeping a close watch on developments.
“But if that does happen, when that does happen, we’ll be ready to look into the legal and constitutional angles of these endeavors,” Ty said.