The Philippines has turned down a US request for diplomatic immunity for personnel involved in a planned artificial intelligence industrial hub in Capas, Tarlac.
The decision was announced by Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Joshua Bingcang during the unveiling of a marker for the project at New Clark City. He stated that no special arrangements would be made for the US government and that the venture would follow the Investors’ Lease Act and the BCDA Law as a regular business contract.
Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg led the Monday event and brought US investors to the proposed 4,000-acre site. The hub forms part of the Pax Silica Initiative aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and green technology.
Helberg noted that American firms now seek greater predictability alongside speed and scale in the region. Negotiations on investment protections are set to begin within a two-year window under the signed agreement.
