Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace urges Pax Silica opponents to pursue grievances through official channels
The presidential palace has called on critics of the Pax Silica initiative to lodge formal objections rather than engage in disruptive demonstrations. The statement follows confrontations outside a Bonifacio Global City venue where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was attending an event.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Palace has appealed to opponents of the Pax Silica initiative to voice their concerns through established governmental procedures instead of resorting to street protests and confrontational tactics.
Claire Castro, the presidential press officer, made the statement on Friday, emphasizing that proper channels exist for citizens to register their opposition to government policies. She discouraged what she characterized as disruptive acts that had occurred during recent demonstrations.
Her remarks came in response to tensions that flared on Thursday outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, where President Marcos was participating in an official function. The incident highlighted growing friction between government officials and activists opposed to the strategic initiative.
The Pax Silica framework, a regional engagement policy, has drawn scrutiny from various quarters concerned about its implications for Philippine sovereignty and regional dynamics. The Palace has maintained that the program serves the nation's strategic interests while critics argue it warrants broader public consultation and parliamentary debate.
Castro's appeal underscores the administration's preference for dialogue conducted through institutional mechanisms rather than street-level confrontations, as debate over the initiative continues to unfold.