MANILA, Philippines – Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies, and even geopolitics. At the center of that conversation in the Philippines is Pax Silica, a US-led initiative that, according to the US government, aims to strengthen global semiconductor and AI supply chains by bringing together allied partner states.

Supporters say the initiative could help position the Philippines to benefit from the growing AI economy through investments, jobs, technology partnerships, and new industries. They argue that staying out of initiatives like Pax Silica could leave the country behind as nations compete to develop AI capabilities.

Critics, however, warn that the promised benefits may come at a cost. They argue that AI hubs and semiconductor facilities could place greater pressure on resources such as land, water, and electricity while reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a supplier of raw materials and low-value manufacturing instead of fostering genuine industrialization. They also raise concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, affected communities, and national sovereignty.

The debate has become one of the country’s most closely watched discussions on technology policy, reflecting broader questions about how the Philippines should balance economic development, foreign investment, environmental protection, and national interests in the age of AI.

Rappler’s senior multimedia reporter Gelo Gonzales sits down with lawyer Carlo Ybanez, who has argued that the Philippines should participate in Pax Silica with safeguards, and IBON Foundation researcher Luisa Gabriela, who has criticized the initiative as primarily serving US geopolitical interests, to discuss the competing perspectives and answer readers’ questions.

Whether you’re wondering how AI hubs work, what Pax Silica could mean for jobs and local communities, or where the Philippines should position itself in the global AI race, bring your questions to the discussion.

To join the AMA:

1. Download the Rappler app for iOS or Android, and create a free account. The web version is also available here.
2. Tap the app’s Community tab and join the Everyday Tech chat room.
3. Send your questions or opinions to Everyday Tech chat room anytime before 4 pm on Tuesday, August 11. Your messages may be mentioned by Gelo during the AMA discussion with Carlo Ybanez and Luisa Gabriela later that day.
4. We’ll air the AMA at 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 13. The video will be pinned at the top of Everyday Tech chat room. You can also watch the AMA on Rappler’s YouTube channel. Feel free to send your thoughts to the chat room while watching.

See you in the chat room! – Rappler.com

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