Governor Marquez denies casino proposals in Caticlan,

nix casino operations in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez has denied media reports that the provincial government is entertaining the proposals to put up a casino in the proposed reclamation project in Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan.

Asked about the report, Marquez clarified that there were no such proposals from the proponents of the casinos and if there were plans, the provincial government will express its sentiment and continuing opposition on the operation of casino in Aklan.

'Thumbs down'

Marquez restated his stand over RGMA DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo against the establishment of casino in Caticlan, the jump-off point to the popular beach destination of Boracay, saying, aside from casino, the provincial government also opposed in the past the existence of illegal numbers game and gambling facilities anywhere in the province.

In the mid-2000s, Catholic church officials and civic leaders here earlier joined hands in opposing the establishment of casino gaming by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in Boracay Island.

The protesters cited the long-term corruption and destruction to the values and lives of children in the island once the casino facility operates in the island resort.

In the pastoral letter read during masses, former Kalibo Bishop Gabriel Reyes exhorted his flock to oppose casinos, which he said are "often the cause of the impoverishment and breaking up of families.Casinos promote enslavement or addiction to the passion of gambling. They weaken the moral strength of people."

At present, the provincial government of Aklan has an ongoing 2.6 hectares reclamation project in Caticlan, the site of the future Aklan Marina complex.
Once fully developed, the Marina tourism project could improve the tourism services in the existing Caticlan jetty port and boost the local tourism industry.