MANILA — Malacañang has challenged student protesters opposing the proposed US-backed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone in Tarlac to substantiate their objections through formal position papers, saying the Marcos administration is willing to address specific concerns amid mounting opposition to the initiative.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said students should clearly identify their objections to the proposed industrial hub in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, rather than limit their opposition to public demonstrations.
“Mas nanaisin ng pamahalaan at administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., kung sila ay may partikular na mga issues, mas magandang makipag-usap, ilahad ang kanilang mga naisin, gumawa ng anumang position paper, mga panawagan na maaaring idaan sa mas mahinahon na talakayan,” Castro said.
She emphasized that detailed submissions would allow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and concerned government agencies to evaluate the issues and determine whether corrective measures or policy adjustments are warranted.
“Dapat ito ay nakadetalye, dapat madinig sila ng Pangulo, ng administrasyon nang may detalyeng isyu para kung mayroon dapat na tugunan at dapat maresolba, dapat maayos,” she added.
The Palace’s appeal followed campus walkouts staged Friday by students from several universities protesting the US-led Pax Silica initiative and US President Donald Trump’s planned visit for the 2026 ASEAN Summit.
The proposed economic security zone has drawn criticism from student groups amid broader concerns over the Philippines’ participation in the US-backed initiative.
Castro said Marcos was aware of the demonstrations and had directed authorities to exercise maximum tolerance toward protesters, underscoring the administration’s position that dissent should be respected while encouraging dialogue over contentious government policies./PN
