AKLAN – Seven Catholic bishops and a diocesan administrator in Western Visayas and Romblon joined the growing chorus of opposition to the proposed operation of casinos in Boracay Island in Malay town.
“While we understand the urgent need of (the) government to raise revenues especially during this (coronavirus) pandemic, the harm far outweighs the expected benefits if we conduct a social impact assessment of opening gambling casinos in Boracay,” read part of their collegial statement.
The signatories were:
* Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo of the Archdiocese of Jaro
* Most Rev. Marvyn Maceda, bishop of San Jose de Antique
* Most Rev. Patricio Abella, bishop of Bacolod
* Most Rev. Louie Patalinghug Galbines, bishop of Kabankalan
* Rev. Msgr. Cyril Villlareal, diocesan administrator of Capiz
* Most Rev. Jose Corazon Tala-oc, bishop of Kalibo
* Most Rev. Narciso Abellana, bishop of Romblon
They rallied behind Bishop Jose Corazon T. Talaoc and the Diocese of Kalibo that earlier expressed opposition.
The prelates clarified they were not against development “but it should be a development that is both sustainable and integral, a development that is authentically just and for the common good.”
President Rodrigo Duterte gave the go-ahead signal for the operation of casinos in Boracay to generate funds for the economy’s recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., two groups previously expressed interest – the Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment Group and tycoon Andrew Tan.
“Boracay is already a paradise,” the prelates stressed.
They said it is a family destination, a venue for educational advancement and entrepreneurship, a wider avenue for employment, a good source of livelihood for the people and revenues for the government.
Although they appreciate the government’s efforts to restore Boracay, having casinos in Boracay “will not only divert and distract visitors from the true beauty and value of this most cherished island but will also pave the way for destructive lifestyles and habits that will significantly alter and destroy the treasured values, culture and life of the community,” the prelates said.
They also pointed out the looming effects of gambling on individuals and families.
“(G)ambling problems can have a significant impact and harm on families, friends, workplaces and communities which include, among others, diminished emotional, mental and physical health, communication breakdown and confusion about family roles and responsibilities, impaired family relationships, mistrust, family neglect, poor social life and work performance resulting to lost productivity, crime (such as theft and fraud), and financial hardship – even bankruptcy, depression, and suicide,” they said.
According to the prelates, families where a parent gambles compulsively “are more likely to experience domestic violence, including child abuse.”
“Over 80 percent of problem gamblers were at risk of alcohol or drug use/dependency and one-half of compulsive gamblers commit crimes. We don’t want to encourage gambling to prevent these problems to happen,” they added.
Opening casinos in Boracay should also “necessarily involve the affected communities, particularly the community of indigenous people in the island,” the Church leaders said.
“Hear our people’s plea to keep Boracay clean, safe, child and family-friendly island to visit and to spend precious quality time with our loved ones,” they stressed./PN
