Greta Thunberg joins calls to reject Pax Silica – as Trump heads to the Manila summit

Across the University of the Philippines in Diliman, streamers and banners are up urging the public to reject Pax Silica and US President Donald Trump. The Inquirer reports that the August Twenty-One Movement, known as Atom, opposes Trump's visit to the Philippines and raises concerns over the proposed Pax Silica agreement, warning of its possible effects. Other reports say a campus walkout has been set against the project, and a transport strike is planned for the day of Trump's arrival.

What Happens Next

The next big date on the calendar is the Asean summit in Manila. Trump is set to join Asean leaders there on Nov. 17, which is why the protests are being timed around his visit. Whether the Philippines goes ahead with the signing, and how the walkout and strike will play out on the ground, is not yet known from the reports available.

For now, the sources do not give details on the exact terms of Pax Silica, and they do not say how the government will respond to the calls. What is clear is that the issue has moved from online posts to campus banners, a planned walkout, and a transport strike tied to a high-profile visit. Activists have made their position loud and public, and the Philippines' signing is the milestone everyone is watching.

So where do you stand on Pax Silica? Is the Philippines making a smart move by signing, or should the country hold back? Tell us what you think in the comments.