Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday, August 2, called for a formal inquiry into reports that local farmers are being intimidated and ordered to halt their planting activities as the government advances its Pax Silica Initiative.
The presidential sister raised concerns following reports that authorities have begun identifying affected areas in Capas, Tarlac, for the controversial development.
“Hindi maaaring unahing alisin ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka para lamang mapadali ang land conversion,” Marcos said in an official statement.
“Hindi dapat mawalan ng lupa ang mga nagpapakain sa bayan nang hindi man lang nabibigyan ng sapat na paliwanag at pagkakataong marinig,” she added.
Marcos emphasized that under Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2002, any land-use conversion must strictly comply with legal procedures.
She stressed that promised billions in investments and employment opportunities should not come at the expense of agricultural workers and local indigenous communities.
“Bago ang anumang investment, dapat munang tiyakin na hindi naaagrabyado ang mga taong umaasa sa lupa para mabuhay,” she urged.
The senator also warned about the environmental and utility strain of the proposed 1,619-hectare artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing hub in New Clark City, noting that processing rare earth and critical minerals requires massive energy and water resources.
“Kung ngayon pa lang kapos na ang tubig para sa mga magsasaka at may brownout kada linggo, saan kukunin ang napakalaking suplay ng tubig at kuryente para sa Pax Silica? Konsultasyon muna bago konstruksyon,” Marcos stated.
She insisted that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) must fully explain the project’s impact to affected residents before conducting any land surveys or acquisitions.
Reports show that around 1,600 hectares—affecting 92 farmers and local Aeta communities—are slated for the project despite a lack of prior public consultation.