Erin Tañada

Pax Silica Is Not Just About Data Centers I recently asked how many jobs Pax Silica will actually produce, and the comments shocked me. Many people did not talk about jobs. They talked about secret plans. They talked about foreign powers. Some said Pax Silica was only about data centers. Others said it was a plan to take minerals from the Philippines. Many turned the issue into a fight between the United States and China. These fears should not be ignored. But we also need facts. Pax Silica is not just about data centers. It may cover a full supply chain. This can include raw materials, chip making, assembly, testing, software, transport, and other services. Yes, data centers use a lot of power and water. The government must explain how these needs will be met. Local towns should not lose water or pay higher power costs just so large companies can grow. But data centers are only one part of the plan. Mining is also only one part. The Philippines has nickel and cobalt. These metals are used in batteries. Chips need other materials too, such as gold, copper, tungsten, silicon, and quartz. We are not a top source of all these materials. The bigger goal should be to keep more work and value in the country. Today, the Philippines is strong in chip assembly and testing. These jobs matter. But we should not stop there. We should move into chip making, research, design, software, factory support, and logistics. The BPO industry shows what is possible. It started with many call center jobs. Today, Filipino teams handle finance, research, design, data, and other important work for global firms. The chip industry can also move up. But good jobs will not appear by magic. We need better training, stable power, strong schools, good roads, modern ports, and clear rules. We need engineers, technicians, software workers, and machine experts. The government must also ask hard questions. * How many jobs will be created? * How many will be permanent? * How much will workers earn? * How many Filipino firms will win contracts? * How much tax will be paid? * What will happen to local water, land, and power? Supporters say Pax Silica may bring billions of dollars in investment. That could help the economy grow. But large investment does not always mean large public gain. The Philippines must bargain well. We should welcome investment, but we must demand local jobs, worker training, fair taxes, and strong safety rules. The debate should not be ruled by rumors. Pax Silica should not be judged by whether it is pro-US or pro-China. It should be judged by one clear test: Is it pro-Filipino?