Brent Manalo speaks out against proposed Pax Silica in Tarlac

Brent Manalo opposed the proposed Pax Silica project in Tarlac, citing its potential impact on farmers and agricultural communities in his home province.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” big winner urged the public to reject the project, saying it could displace farmers and threaten their livelihoods.

“NO TO PAX SILICA. Tarlac heavily relies on agriculture for its sustenance and marami sa magsasaka namin ang posibleng marelocate at mawalan ng kabuhayan dahil dito. And this is just one of the many risks it poses. The 1,600-hectare AI hub promises to be innovative but at what cost,” he wrote.

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Manalo also spoke about the issue on the noontime program “It’s Showtime,” explaining that many people remain unaware of the proposed development.

“Sa mga di pa nakakaalam—marami pa ang hindi nakakaalam niyan, Meme (Vice Ganda), ‘yung nangyayari ngayon. ‘Yung Pax Silica na 1,600 hectares of land ang makakamkam if ever man na matuloy ‘yung proyekto na ’to sa Tarlac, which is ang hometown namin ni Kuya Ion (Perez),” he said.

NO TO PAX SILICA Tarlac heavily relies on agriculture for its sustenance and marami sa magsasaka namin ang posibleng marelocate at mawalan ng kabuhayan dahil dito. And this is just one of the many risks it poses. the 1.6 hectare AI-hub promises to be innovative but at what cost

— brent manalo (@brentymanalo) July 25, 2026

Manalo’s remarks came as discussions continue over the proposed US-led Pax Silica Project in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac and its potential economic and environmental impact on local communities.

Despite the growing opposition, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsed the project during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. 

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Marcos described the planned development as a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor that aims to strengthen the Philippines’ role in the global artificial intelligence and technology value chain.

The President added that the proposed initiative, which the Philippines joined in April 2026 to build a 1,620-hectare AI manufacturing zone in Tarlac, will create quality jobs, and boost the country’s industrial competitiveness.

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Despite that officials promise $40-70 billion in investments, up to 190,000 jobs mostly for Filipinos, and self-sufficient water and power systems on former military land with no displacements, critics like Rep. Chel Diokno and farmers’ groups demand consultations and environmental reviews, citing threats to agriculture and water scarcity.  /edv