MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino called for full transparency and stronger safeguards in the proposed Pax Silica initiative, particularly on its potential impact on communities, farmers and Indigenous Peoples in Tarlac.

Speaking during a Senate committee hearing, Aquino thanked Senator Raffy Tulfo for immediately convening the hearing, saying several Senate committees, including the Committee on Trade and Industry, are also interested in examining the project.

Aquino said the hearings should clarify the government’s plans for Pax Silica, including the facilities to be built, as well as its projected requirements for electricity and water.

“Ang gusto natin malaman, ano ba talaga iyong mga plano? Ano ba talagang tipo ng facilities ang bubuuin sa Pax Silica?” Aquino said.

He noted that initial reports mentioned the construction of a data center, but subsequent information indicated that there would no longer be one.

Aquino also raised questions about the project’s potential impact on agricultural land and ancestral domains.

“Meron ba talagang magsasaka na mawawalan ng lupa? Meron ba talagang IP na mapapaalis sa kanilang ancestral domain? Lahat po na ito mahalagang malaman ng taumbayan,” he said.

The senator said he was informed by Capas Mayor Boots that residents were not consulted before the announcement of the project and that communities were surprised to learn that a significant portion of the municipality could be affected.

He said the government should provide specific details and ensure meaningful consultation with affected communities.

Aquino also urged the government to pursue a “better way forward” in advancing industrialization, manufacturing and job creation without leaving marginalized sectors behind.

He cited the 2018 closure and rehabilitation of Boracay as an example of how necessary reforms could have been implemented with greater consideration for affected workers.

Aquino said the Boracay rehabilitation was necessary to address problems involving roads, the beachfront and water systems, but the sudden closure also left thousands of workers without jobs.

He said a similar situation should be avoided in the implementation of major development projects.

“Could have there been a better way?” Aquino asked, arguing that affected workers could have been given more time to find alternative employment or provided assistance before losing their livelihoods.

The senator particularly called for safeguards for farmers and Indigenous Peoples, whom he described as among the country’s most vulnerable sectors.

He said economic growth and the Philippines’ status as an upper-middle-income country do not necessarily reflect the realities experienced by many Filipinos who continue to struggle with their livelihoods.

“Siguraduhin nating walang maiiwan,” Aquino said, stressing that genuine national progress should be measured by how the country treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

Aquino said the Senate would continue monitoring commitments made during the hearing, including assurances on the protection of communities and the environment.

“We will make sure that will be upheld and that will be done properly with the powers of the Senate,” he said.

He said the goal should be to advance industrialization and manufacturing while ensuring that no community or Filipino is left behind.