Casino endorsements moratorium up in Malay, Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The 15-year moratorium on endorsements by the local government of Malay is up for new casino proposals in Boracay Island and Malay, Aklan.

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

The local council resolution seeks to declare multi-year moratorium on endorsements on the operation of casinos, gaming junkets, legal gambling activities under the supervision of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) subject to periodic review.

Sangguniang Bayan member Jupiter Aelred Gallenero said “the LGU Malay for the previous years had endorsed almost four or five casino applications to operate in Boracay Island.”

The state-run firm Pagcor requires a mandatory no-objection resolution and development approval from the local government units before granting licenses or authority to private gaming operators in the country. 

Since 2003, Pagcor planned to put up a casino in Boracay as attraction to upper tier tourists and additional income for the gaming industry.

SB member Dante Pagsuguiron said “right now, only one casino gaming firm is operating inside a resort hotel in Boracay Island along the main road.”

Effective July 4, the Sangguniang Bayan will no longer grant endorsements for the casino projects and operators in Malay, Aklan for the next 15 years.

Alarmed by casino proliferation, the Catholic Church and other churches opposed any form of casino development and operations, primarily the ‘casino gambling culture’ in Boracay Island and the province of Aklan.  

Church officials also condemned plans to bring casino to Boracay, citing, moral repercussions and gambling dependence of individuals and families in rural communities.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.