In what appeared to be a jab at Vice President Sara Duterte’s silence on the Pax Silica initiative, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also declined to comment on Duterte’s refusal to address one of the country’s most controversial issues.
In an interview on July 28, Duterte was asked for her thoughts on Pax Silica, the US-backed development project in New Clark City, Tarlac. Duterte, appearing confused, responded, ‘I cannot comment on that.’
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Castro also declined to comment on Duterte’s unfamiliarity with the matter.
‘I have no comment,’ the Palace official said.
‘We already saw it in the video, so what else is there to explain? Let’s just leave it as it is,’ she explained when asked why she has no comment.
Changes in Pax Silica project provision
Meanwhile, Castro said there is still a possibility that some provisions of the project could be revised for the benefit of both investors and the public.
‘For those who have concerns about this, it would be best to discuss them with the relevant agencies regarding Pax Silica, so that any potential issues or concerns you may have can be properly addressed and resolved,’ she said in Filipino.
She also downplayed concerns raised by Capas Mayor Butch Rodriguez about the possible adverse environmental effects of Pax Silica and how the government will ensure that the Indigenous Peoples community in the town will not be affected.
Citing a statement from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Castro said the agency had conducted initial meetings with local government units and government agencies on New Clark City’s development plans, including the proposed Pax Silica initiative.
‘These consultations are ongoing, and we will continue to work closely with these stakeholders as the project progresses. At present, BCDA is undertaking ground assessment activities in the area,’ the BCDA said, as read by Castro.
‘These activities are being carried out to ensure that planning and decision-making are based on accurate assessments on the ground and are conducted in a responsible and orderly manner,’ it added.