President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced strong support for Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aimed at establishing the Philippines as a central hub for global tech supply chains, describing the partnership as a clear win for national economic growth.
Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) presidential luncheon, Marcos made clear that his administration remains eager to strike deals with global partners wherever there is mutual benefit.
“Whenever someone is interested to come into the Philippines to invest, so long as it is to the mutual benefit of all parties involved, that for us is a good deal. And it is a good deal that we will enter into, no matter where it comes from,” Marcos said.
The initiative centers on developing an “Economic Security Zone” in Clark City under the broader Luzon Economic Corridor. Designed to position the country as a major player in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical minerals, the project is expected to generate up to 190,000 high-quality jobs and draw between $40 billion and $70 billion in investments once operational.
While Pax Silica is rooted in collaboration with the United States, Marcos stressed that the Philippines remains open to trade partnerships with a broad range of international allies, including China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia and European nations.
However, the President firmly assured the public that the government will not allow foreign entities to exploit the nation’s critical mineral resources without a formal, binding agreement.