THERE will be no announcement regarding Pax Silica during the Asean Leaders’ Summit to give the initiative its “own moment,” Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.
This followed US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton having dismissed on Saturday talk of a major announcement regarding Pax Silica during or after the Asean Leaders’ Summit this weekend.
Lipton also noted that decisions would be made in consultation with the government, with comprehensive discussions on the potential impact on stakeholders.
Rodolfo said it was simply a matter of timing and explained that with several major initiatives like the Asean summit and happening, it would be better for Pax Silica to stand on its own.
“With Asean, APEC, and several major initiatives occurring in close succession, we felt it would be better for [Pax Silica] advanced manufacturing hub to have its own moment rather than compete within an already crowded diplomatic agenda,” he said.
Rodolfo added that other regional diplomatic and geopolitical initiatives deserve a dedicated event given the type of visibility that only the Asean Summit provides.
He claimed that there were no substantive issues regarding Pax Silica and that the government’s discussions with the US’ Department of State were moving forward.
He assured that they remained on track for the signing of a master agreement and were hopeful that it would happen within the year to keep the government on track to meet a two-year development period.
Amid opposition to Pax Silica, he said they would be very transparent on whether the agreement will be signed.
The absence of an announcement will also give the Bases Conversion and Development Authority more time for consultation and engagement with stakeholders, he added.
