Manila, Aug. 26 -- The government will ensure that transactions for the Pax Silica initiative will not disadvantage the Philippines or its people, Malacanang said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a firm stance that investments for Pax Silica should benefit the country without compromising Filipinos' welfare and rights.

"Nagsalita din po ang Pangulo. Hindi maaring gumawa ng anumang transaksyon na ang Pilipinas o mga Pilipino ang siyang madedehado (The President has already spoken about this. We cannot enter into any transaction that would put the Philippines or Filipinos at a disadvantage)," Castro said.

"Kailangan po natin na magkaroon ng mga investme...