The Presidential Palace announced on Monday that the proposed Pax Silica framework agreement between the Philippines and the United States will comply with Philippine laws and include safeguards for the environment and affected communities.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro stated during a Filipino‑language briefing that the administration has not provoked war and that all actions will follow the law while protecting the environment and ensuring no citizen is displaced without compensation.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority said it expects to sign the framework agreement in November.
Critics warn that the agreement could heighten US‑China tensions, give foreign entities control over critical minerals, damage the environment, and displace local communities.
Castro added that the National Water Resources Board has determined that water supplies in the project area are sufficient and will not impact local availability.
She noted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will require an environmental impact statement, an environmental management plan, and regular monitoring.
The government pledged to safeguard the livelihoods of any displaced farmers and reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s position that the country will not surrender “even a square inch” of its territory to any foreign power.
