By Politiko staff
Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña expressed alarm and dismay over Vice president Sara Duterte’s apparent ignorance regarding the controversial “Pax Silica” issue, attributing her cluelessness to her frequent overseas travels.
“Talagang nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na mas updated pa ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino sa mga nangyayari sa bansa kesa kay VP Sara,” Cendaña said.
The lawmaker issued the statement after Duterte, currently in The Hague, Netherlands, was asked about Pax Silica. The Vice President initially misheard the term as “fox silica” and appeared completely unfamiliar with the matter before replying, “Wala, I will not comment on that.”
Pax Silica is a proposed United States industrial hub to be established in Central Luzon. Militant groups have described the facility as a covert American military hub intended to manufacture microchips for US war efforts worldwide.
Critics also warn that the project, sanctioned by the Marcos administration—could trigger higher electricity rates and severe water depletion in the region. The deal is expected to be finalized when US President Donald Trump visits the country in November 2027 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
Cendaña noted that Duterte’s lack of awareness on major national developments demonstrates how detached she has become from the realities facing Filipinos back home.
“Dahil puro travel goals para makaiwas sa pananagutan, out of touch na siya sa kalagayan ng Pilipinas. She is really unfit to hold public office,” Cendaña added.
The Vice President has been in The Hague since July 16 and is set to remain there until July 31. She is visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in the Dutch city facing crimes against humanity charges over his administration’s bloody war on drugs.—Politiko.com.ph
