Any Casino Plans However Face Stiff Opposition from Local Groups, Church
KALIBO, AKLAN -- What is deemed a tropical paradise for those seeking relaxation and recreation may soon become a paradise for highrollers if plans to put up more casinos in Boracay Island are approved.
And the Church, local business groups, and the community of the island have vowed to oppose any such move.
The impending stand-off between proponents and opponents of plans to allow resort operators in Boracay to setup casino operations came after the island's council approved last January the proposal of Cariño Development Management to build a casino at Fairways and Blue Water Resort Golf and Country Club, a 120-hectare resort in the island's northern side.
The pro-casino decision was reached by the council stating that allowing the operation of the proposed casino would add to the coffers of the municipality. It would also further make the island an attractive destination for tourists.
Other Resorts Also Hoping to Cash In
Prompted by the favorable decision on the petition of Fairways, two other resort operators have also submitted their own proposals to furnish their properties with a casino facility. These are La Carmela de Boracay Resort and Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center whose properties are both located in Barangay Balabag along the island's beach front.
In its proposal, La Carmela de Boracay proposes to operate a casino within its resort to cater to walk-in customers. During peak seasons, thousands of vacationers both local and foreign descend on the small island in the central Philippines world-reknown for its white, sandy beaches; cool, blue waters; and festive night life. La Carmela hopes to tap this market with its casino offering.
On the other hand, Crown Regency is proposing a junket operation, targeting highrollers who are normally foreign nationals. Through this operation, Crown Regency will be pre-organizing tournaments and bringing the players to the resort in a VIP-only style operation.
Strong Opposition Against Gambling
However, any moves to add another casino or two will be met with opposition by church officials, local business groups, and the community as well.
According to opponents of the proposals, operating casinos on Boracay would only worsen the social ills the island is already suffering including rampant prostitution, drugs, and alcoholism. Opponents argue that by allowing the proliferation of casinos on the island, another social ill -- gambling addiction -- will emerge and further threaten Boracay's image.
Boracay parish priest, Fr. Magloire Placer was alarmed by the rising number of casino proposals that have been submitted for consideration. INn a telephone interview with the Roman Catholic priest:
"It's like opening a Pandora's box. Once you allowed one casino, how can you stop more from coming? What will happen to this beautiful island when more and more casinos come in. Will we allow Boracay to become a gambling capital?"
He added that definitely, many resorts in the island would follow the steps of Fairways, La Carmela, and Crown Regency, because they would be able to afford to setup a casino.
A local business group called Boracay Foundation, Inc. has also joined its voice in the protest echoing Fr. Placer's sentiment that allowing one to put up a casino would only prompt others to follow. The business group has previously opposed past proposals to open casinos on the island.
Even residents are up in arms against the proposals of casino operation saying that casinos would only damage the island and the peaceful living of its inhabitants. According to Rufina Villaroman, Kiwanis Club of Boracay president:
"We want to live peacefully here and the casinos will ruin families. We don't want our island to become a gambling destination."
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer Online
Posted: March 23, 2011
