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No plan to set up casino on Boracay island — Pagcor

[ Manila Bulletin Online ] June 12, 2008

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Efraim C. Genuino refuted yesterday a claim by Kalibo, Aklan Bishop Romeo Lazo that Pagcor has revived plans to establish a casino in the internationally famous island of Boracay in Malay town.

"We do not have plans to put up and operate a casino in Boracay. We are not even interested,’’ stressed Genuino, who was apparently surprised with the published statement of Lazo which he described as "baseless and unfounded.’’

Genuino questioned Bishop Lazo’s motive in coming up with an article posted in the website of the CBCP opposing a reported plan to set up of a casino in the posh Fairways and Bluewater resort in Boracay.

"I have high respects on Bishop Lazo, but I could not fathom his rationale behind his statement throwing a flak on Pagcor, without any basis at all,’’ said Genuino.

Although Boracay is a major tourist destination in the country, Pagcor is foreseen not to get the income expected, in case a casino is established and operated on the island, considering the projected expenses for casino operations, maintenance of the structures and facilities, salary of personnel and promotional undertaking, he said.

While there are tourists – foreign and local – who go there (Boracay) for vacation and leisure, these are not the class of tourists who have the agility for gaming, like high-rollers, where sure income could be generated. Hence, Boracay has yet to be a winsome place where a casino could be established.

Sewerage and waste disposals are "disturbing’’ problems at present, said Genuino, stressing that "these are factors that needed to be addressed accordingly and rightfully, by concerned government agencies.’’

The idea and plans of setting up a casino in Boracay started during the time of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, specifically in 1999.

Feasibility studies and research work, based on casinos in various places – including those in the United States, Macau and Canada were undertaken. It was proposed then to be situated at the Club Panoly Resort Hotel, a pioneer tourist establishment on the island. For various reasons, the idea was scrapped later. (Yul Malicse)
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