Over 20 firms keen on PH AI hub
The project aims to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains and has drawn interest from more than a dozen American companies, officials said.
- On Monday, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg visited New Clark City to advance the 4,000-acre Pax Silica AI-native industrial hub, the first high-level inspection of the planned site.
- Pax Silica aims to reduce reliance on China-dominated supply chains; Helberg criticized China's export curbs on rare earths and critical minerals as a "hostage chain" threatening production.
- BCDA CEO Joshua Bingcang rejected US requests for diplomatic immunity on Monday, stating "There will be no special arrangement accorded to the US" and confirming Philippine laws will govern the project.
- More than 12 American companies are exploring investment in the zone, with groundbreaking targeted before the end of 2028 to establish semiconductor packaging and critical mineral processing facilities.
- Negotiators hold a two-year window to finalize project terms, while the Philippines seeks to pivot from exporting raw minerals toward higher-value "green tech metals" for the AI and clean energy ecosystem.
13 Articles
13 Articles
PH opposes US bid for diplomatic immunity for upcoming AI hub
The AI hub is set to be located in New Clark City, Tarlac, covering more than 1,600 hectares, and is expected to attract billions of pesos in investment. In exchange for this project, the US requested diplomatic immunity for the Americans inside the hub. If granted, they will not be held accountable under Philippine laws, even if they have committed crimes, which the Philippines does not agree to.
US official says China-led supply chain a ‘hostage chain’ amid Pax Silica push
MANILA, Philippines – Visiting US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg on Monday, May 18, defended the planned industrial hub in New Clark City under the US-led Pax Silica initiative, while sharply criticizing China’s dominance in critical technology supply chains, calling it a “hostage chain.” Speaking at the site of the planned Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in New Clark City, Helberg said the United States and its partners were see…
Philippines rejects US request for diplomatic immunity at planned AI hub
The Philippines rejected a request from the United States to place a planned 1,619-hectare artificial intelligence hub under American law and grant diplomatic immunity to US personnel at the site, an official confirmed Monday, May 18.
Philippines rejects special US status for planned Luzon industrial hub
PAMPANGA, Philippines: Philippine officials on May 18 pushed back against reports that a planned United States-backed industrial hub on the main island of Luzon would operate under American laws or grant diplomatic immunity to US personnel.
Over 20 firms keen on PH AI hub
MANILA, Philippines — More than 20 companies from the United States and the Middle East have already expressed interest in locating within the planned artificial intelligence (AI) hub in New Clark City, as Manila and Washington move to finalize which industries will ultimately occupy the 1,619-hectare site. American and Philippine trade officials have so far
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