The Philippines has joined the Washington-led Pax Silica alliance, according to Joshua Bingcang, president of the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

He said the Philippines is also working with the US on a site near Clark Freeport Zone that could attract about US$10 billion in initial investment.

Bingcang said Manila aims to sign an initial agreement with the US State Department this year.

He added that the Philippines could offer leases of up to 99 years on part of the 4,000-acre site for data centers, green energy, semiconductor, and logistics projects.

Pax Silica is a State Department initiative focused on AI and supply-chain security that covers semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, and data infrastructure among trusted partners.

Clark is central to the plan because BCDA is developing areas around Clark Freeport and New Clark City, with access to Clark International Airport and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

One Clark Boulevard also cuts travel between the airport and New Clark City to 20 minutes.

The lease proposal follows a 2025 law that lets foreigners lease land for approved investments for up to 99 years without allowing foreign ownership.

It also follows a 2023 US-Philippines semiconductor partnership to explore opportunities under the CHIPS Act’s International Technology Security and Innovation Fund.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg