Tinio: PH must not become dumping ground for US AI hubs
Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio warned against the Philippines becoming a "dumping ground" for AI hubs that US states are seeking to restrict due to concerns over power, water, and environmental impact. He cited New York's enacted data center construction moratorium and proposed moratoriums in Georgia, Maine, Maryland, and Michigan. Tinio also highlighted Texas's struggles with numerous proposed AI projects that are projected to consume significant electricity, despite voter opposition.
Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio urged the Philippines to avoid becoming a "dumping ground" for AI hubs that US states are actively trying to restrict, highlighting concerns over power, water, and environmental impacts. Tinio specifically referenced the proposed US-led Pax Silica hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, as a potential source of these issues.
The lawmaker cited the example of New York, which has already enacted a statewide construction moratorium on data centers requiring 50 megawatts or more of power. He also noted that legislative efforts are underway in Georgia, Maine, Maryland, and Michigan to propose similar moratorium bills. Tinio warned that the Philippines could face a situation akin to Texas, where over 1,800 proposed AI projects are projected to consume nearly six times the state's peak electricity capacity, despite significant voter opposition.
Tinio criticized the Marcos administration for allegedly prioritizing US economic dictates, asserting that accepting hyperscale data centers would deplete the country's power supply, strain water resources, and burden local communities to serve foreign interests. He questioned why the Philippines should accept projects that American states are rejecting due to "catastrophic impact on power, water, and the environment." According to Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Joshua Bingcang, the 1,620-hectare Pax Silica site development is expected to commence within three to five years, with the initial phase covering approximately 500 hectares.