Senator Raffy Tulfo is seeking a Senate investigation into the proposed Pax Silica Hub in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac amid concerns over its possible effects on the environment, local communities and national security.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, filed Senate Resolution No. 571 calling for a review of the project.

The proposed hub is being eyed as a major center for advanced computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor-related industries, data infrastructure and other high-technology businesses.

Tulfo said the project could bring investments, jobs and new technology to the country but stressed that its possible effects must also be carefully studied.

“While such investments may contribute significantly to economic growth, technology transfer, innovation, and job creation, they have likewise generated public concerns and policy questions,” he said.

Among the concerns are the project’s use of land and water, its impact on the environment and its possible effects on indigenous peoples and local communities.

Tulfo also cited questions about how many jobs the project would create, whether Filipinos would gain new skills and whether the country would receive long-term economic and technological benefits.

He said citizens, local communities, indigenous peoples, scientists and civil society groups should be given a chance to participate in discussions about a project of this size.

“The concerns expressed by citizens, local communities, indigenous people, members of the scientific community, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders underscore the importance of ensuring that public participation and meaningful consultation remain integral components of the planning, evaluation and implementation of projects of national significance,” he said.

Tulfo said government agencies and the project proponents have maintained that the proposed hub would still have to comply with laws on environmental protection, land use, indigenous peoples’ rights, public consultation, investments and national security.

He said the Senate probe would determine whether existing laws are enough to regulate large technology and digital infrastructure projects and whether new laws are needed to protect the national interest.IMT