Norwegian entrepreneur Daniel Stefan Robertsen has formally withdrawn his proposal to build a 50-megawatt artificial intelligence data center in Oton, Iloilo, the local government confirmed.
The proposed 10-hectare hyperscale facility in Barangay Abilay Sur faced scrutiny over regulatory requirements and environmental concerns, with the proponent walking out of a public consultation on August 14.
Oton officials said they are still completing their fact-finding and committee report before determining the overall implications of the project’s withdrawal.
The municipal government will also study calls to declare Robertsen persona non grata, noting that such a move could affect Oton’s reputation as an investment destination.
Despite the controversy, officials stressed that Oton remains open to investors and committed to transparency and proper consultation for major development projects.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 18, 2026
