Senator Imee Marcos raised concern over the framework contained in the joint venture agreement related to the construction of the artificial intelligence or AI hub Pax Silica in the Philippines.

She specifically flagged a provision in the agreement that could give a foreign entity control over the site, under which 60 percent of land ownership would go to Filipinos while 40 percent would be allotted to a foreign entity.

She also questioned the possible effect of this on residents, indigenous peoples, the environment, and the country's security.

However, the senator clarified that she is not opposed to the project and recognizes its potential to create jobs and investment.

Pax Silica is a proposed AI-native industrial hub covering roughly 4,000 acres in New Clark City, Tarlac, under the US-led Pax Silica Initiative composed of 23 member countries. 

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority earlier said the Philippines and the United States are targeting a November signing of the framework agreement governing the hub.

Marcos said she wants the project studied more closely, and that she hopes the document she received does not reflect the final terms of the agreement. 

She stressed that her questions on the framework should not be read as resistance to the hub itself, since she acknowledges the investment and jobs it could bring to the country.

"Hindi po ako tutol sa Pax Silica, liliwanagin ko... talagang makakatulong sa Pilipinas kung magkakaroon ng libo-libong trabaho tulad ng ipinangako noong SONA." Senator Imee said.

[“I am not opposed to Pax Silica, let me clarify... it will really help the Philippines if it creates thousands of jobs as promised during the SONA.”]

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