The Makabayan bloc warns that the United States-linked Pax Silica initiative and its planned Economic Security Zone in New Clark City could drive up electricity prices and add pressure to the country’s power supply. In a joint statement from ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co, the lawmakers say the proposed zone would require about 5 gigawatts of electricity. They argue this added demand would stress the existing power grid, which they describe as already fragile, and could lead to higher power costs. The warning follows recent developments involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which the reports say came days before the lawmakers issued their statement. The outlets present the concerns as an opposition bloc’s critique of the proposal, highlighting potential impacts on electricity pricing and supply capacity rather than confirming specific outcomes.