Akbayan Youth, the official youth arm of the Akbayan Partylist, which is represented in Congress by Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, has expressed opposition to US President Donald J. Trump’s planned visit to the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit later this month, taking issue with his policies and voicing concerns about the proposed Pax Silica deal between Manila and Washington.
In an Instagram post, the youth group published a graphic showing Trump alongside the words “NO PLACE FOR TRUMP HERE!” and describing him as a “bully,” “racist,” “fascist,” “imperialist” and a “warlord.”
The organization also questioned whether the US-backed initiative would serve the interests of Filipinos, particularly when it comes to the use of Philippine territory, mineral resources and workforce. Pax Silica is a US-led initiative aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The proposed agreement includes plans for a 1,620-hectare advanced manufacturing park in New Clark City, Tarlac.
Akbayan Youth warned that foreign companies could receive a greater share of the profits while the Philippines provides the resources and workforce needed for the project.
“We will not be a mining pit. We will not be a base for anyone’s war,” the group said.
The statement comes days after the Nov. 3 US midterm elections, when Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. The results ended Republican control of Congress as voters expressed concerns over rising living costs, the war with Iran, and Trump’s economic policies.
In the Philippines, negotiations over Pax Silica remain ongoing. Malacañang confirmed on Nov. 4 that the government was awaiting Washington’s response to its draft agreement, with no final date announced for its signing.
Malacañang said the government intends to place project facilities within designated development zones to minimize displacement and assured affected residents of government assistance if relocation becomes necessary.
