ILOILO City – With President Rodrigo Duterte giving the green light for casinos to operate in Boracay Island, the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) said they would “carry out the necessary steps towards that direction”.
In a joint statement, the BIATF chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and co-chaired by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Tourism (DOT) manifested support to the President’s plan.
According to the BIATF, they would ensure that the operation of casinos would be in accordance with existing laws, and that each line agency will continue carrying out their respective mandates with the goal of ensuring Boracay’s environmental sustainability.
“All businesses are reminded to submit to the requirements and accreditation processes. The BIATF will practice due diligence to ensure that only the compliant will be issued the necessary permits,” the BIATF said.
Duterte earlier said he was allowing the operation of casinos in Boracay to generate funds for the national government.
According to the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), two groups previously expressed interest – the Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment Group and tycoon Andrew Tan.
According to PAGCOR chairman Andrea Domingo, Galaxy Entertainment planned to build a $550-million gaming resort with local partner LRWC, the listed gaming company founded by former Negros Occidental congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
Tan, on the other hand, was planning to open a casino at Megaworld Corp.’s Savoy Hotel.
Duterte’s decision to allow casino operations had been “studied well” according to former DOT Region 6 director Atty. Helen Catalbas.
Catalbas said she believed it underwent consultations especially that the country’s chief executive also had advisers who were members of the BIATF.
The BIATF, Catalbas opined, is the one who puts up a position on matters involving Boracay.
“Nagapati ako ang tanan nga obra dira (sa Boracay), product man sang BIATF consultations,” Catalbas told Panay News.
As to the advantages and disadvantages of having a casino in Boracay, Catalbas stressed it is also the BIATF as the policy-making body that could weigh in.
Incumbent DOT-6 director Cristine Mansinares, meanwhile, declined to comment and deferred to the BIATF.
In Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said, “Casino operation in Boracay shall follow restrictions such as the observance of safety and health protocols imposed in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring safeguards to keep children or minors away from gambling activities,” he added./PN
