Monday, May 12, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
BORACAY ISLAND: The Catholic Church here reiterated its opposition to the planned casino in Boracay Island, reported Panay News. The proposal reportedly came from the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
Sources at the Diocese of Kalibo disclosed that a PAGCOR representative last week visited the Kalibo Diocese adjacent to the Kalibo Cathedral to discuss the casino.
“The representative explained to us that they are looking for three possible resorts in Boracay interested in putting up a casino. But the Kalibo Diocese is still vigilant and we will oppose the operation of a casino in the resort island,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.
In the early 1990s, the Kalibo Diocese also led campaign rallies against PAGCOR’s proposal of putting up a casino in Boracay.
Then Jaime Cardinal Sin intervened and asked the state not to allow the establishment of the casino in the resort island.
Several years after Cardinal Sin’s death, Boracay stakeholders also attempted to push for the operation of a casino but President Gloria Arroyo reportedly intervened.
“Now, they are back again to push for the casino. No matter what they do, we will still oppose all forms of gambling in Boracay,” said the source, a priest.
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