MANILA – Two senators have expressed concern over the planned operation of a multimillion-dollar casino in Boracay Island.
Detained Sen. Leila de Lima warned yesterday the island could become a “gambling haven” while Sen. Nancy Binay said it could further strain Boracay’s capacity to handle mega infrastructures and people.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has issued a provisional license to Leisure and Resorts World Corp. and its foreign partner Galaxy Entertainment Group to build and operate a $500-million integrated casino-resort in Boracay.
De Lima questioned the government’s real motive for planning a shutdown of beach resorts in the island for six months to supposedly address Boracay’s environmental problems.
“I have serious doubts that the real intention is to rehabilitate Boracay. It may be to accommodate business interests by paving the way for the establishment of more casino operations,” the senator said.
Binay, on the other hand, called for a moratorium on construction activities in Boracay.
“Maraming areas na po sa Boracay ang developed, so saan itatayo ng Galaxy ang casino nito,” she said.
The presence of casinos in the island “would create more problems than solutions in the communities,” warned de Lima.
“While we clean up the island and penalize violators, let us be wary of the social and moral impacts of such development projects as casinos,” she stressed.
Galaxy Entertainment Group owns and operates hotels and casinos in Macau, a resort city in southern China.
Known for its casinos and luxury hotels, Macau’s economy is heavily dependent on gaming and tourism.
Binay said it would be more prudent if the planned casino is deferred.
“Kasi nire-rehabilitate natin ang Boracay. Isa sa mga tinatanong ko is, what is the carrying capacity of the island,” said Binay.
Binay said she wanted to know the site where the casino would be constructed.
“In spite of the pressing problems in Boracay, may maririnig ka na may idadagdag na naman tayo na facility. Baka hindi kaya ng isla,” she added.
The senator pushed for a six-month moratorium on building construction on the island.
“Magde-demolish ba ng mga nakatayo nang structures to give way to Galaxy, or will it build on beach or forested land? Will Galaxy build on a wetland?” Binay asked.
A one year total closure, she said, may not be the best solution for the island and its locals.
“So ang posisyon ko is instead of closure, moratorium muna tayo on new constructions,” said Binay.
A “phase-by-phase rehabilitation” where government can strictly enforce environmental laws and at the same time implement the needed corrective measures could be the better option for Boracay, she added./PN
