SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— The proposed energy infrastructure for the United States (US)–backed Pax Silica initiative could not only further raise electricity prices but also strain the country’s power supply, the Makabayan bloc warned the public on Saturday.
In a joint statement, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co expressed that the planned Economic Security Zone in New Clark City would require about 5 gigawatts of electricity. They claimed such power demand would put additional pressure on the country’s already fragile power grid.
The statement came days after President Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed advancing the Pax Silica supply chain alliance and its first Economic Security Zone in Clark.
The lawmakers noted that the United States had committed more than $100 million in new foreign assistance for infrastructure supporting the initiative.
“With Pax Silica, power rates in the Philippines could become the highest in Southeast Asia and even the whole of Asia permanently. The 5-gigawatt demand will strain our already fragile grid to the breaking point, triggering rolling blackouts across the country and driving electricity prices even higher,” the lawmakers said.
