President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and U.S.Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions on the Pax Silica initiative during Rubio's visit to Manila for ministerial meetings.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez highlighted that the initiative, focused on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, is a top U.S.economic priority.The project aims to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub in the Luzon Economic Corridor, promoting AI-driven investment.

While the Philippines joined the initiative in April alongside 22 other nations, concerns about sovereignty, land use, and environmental impacts persist.The Department of Finance is laying legal and operational groundwork for implementation.The collaboration underscores growing U.S.-Philippines economic ties but faces scrutiny over geopolitical and environmental implications.