Senate Deputy Minority Leader Imee Marcos has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the proposed Pax Silica initiative in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, citing concerns over its projected demand for water and electricity resources and its possible long-term environmental impact.
Marcos said the Constitution mandates the state to protect every Filipino’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology.
Under her resolution, the appropriate Senate committee would examine the project’s projected resource requirements and its potential effects on the environment.
Citing an initial impact assessment, Marcos said the proposed Pax Silica hub would require about 130 million liters of water per day, which she said is equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 600,000 households.
She also said the project would need about 3 gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to 16% of Luzon’s current power grid capacity.
The proposed development has also drawn calls from several members of the House of Representatives for a separate investigation.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said it would not prevent Marcos from conducting a Senate inquiry into the project.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also disputed claims that farmers would be forced to stop farming to make way for the proposed technology hub.
Castro said the area identified for development had already been designated as a buildable zone after its approval in 2019 during preparations for the Southeast Asian Games.
She added that the land should no longer be used for farming because it has long been allocated for development.
According to Castro, only 3,500 hectares have been designated as buildable zones, while more than 6,000 hectares remain allocated for open green spaces, forest reserves and upland farming.
The Palace also said the Bases Conversion and Development Authority remains open to consultations with local government units, national government agencies and other stakeholders regarding concerns surrounding the project.
