Construction of casino contradicts moves to rehabilitate Boracay — Alejano

For Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano, the construction of a casino in Boracay Island contradicts the government's move to clean it up, as it will only aggravate the environmental issues already hounding the popular tourist destination.

In a statement, Alejano expressed his opposition to the construction of the $500-million casino in Boracay to be operated by Macau-based company Galaxy Entertainment Group.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) signed the provisional license for the casino resort on March 21, or just about a month before the recommended six-month closure of Boracay for rehabilitation starting April 26.

"Kung ang talagang hangarin ng Pangulo ay ang pagsasaayos at pagbabalik ng ganda ng Boracay, isang malaking pagkakamali ang pagtatayo ng casino sa isla," Alejano said.

"This is a contradiction amid the supposed cleanup of Boracay. The approval of the construction of a casino just after the orders of the President of a close-down is highly suspicious," he added.

Alejano said that if the government still envisions Boracay as a top tourist destination in the world, then it should put more consideration on its environmental well-being than affording favors to foreign companies.

"I understand that we should not prohibit the development of Boracay Island, but the development should first and foremost respect the environment," he said, noting that it was the purpose of House Bill 7077 that he filed.

The lawmaker stressed the need for strict regulation on the utiliization and development of the island resort in compliance to the defined land use plan.

A Boracay Island Council should also ensure that all plans, policies and projects for the island are coordinated and consistent, he added.

"We will reap more benefits through environmental protection rather than solely looking at businesses which only provide short-term profits but destroy our environment in the long run," Alejano said.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu himself also admitted that there is a contradiction as regards the rehabilitation efforts in Boracay and the planned construction of the casino there. — LA, GMA News