Philippines pushes forward with US-backed AI hub as critics raise sovereignty and environmental concerns
AI summaryThe Philippines is moving to finalize a framework agreement with the US within two to three months for a 1,620-hectare AI, semiconductor and critical minerals hub north of Manila, part of the Pax Silica Initiative. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr defended the project in his State of the Nation address, promising quality jobs and economic revitalization, while critics warn of sovereignty erosion, community displacement and environmental harm.