PCCI exec opposes Boracay casino-resort plan

A top official of the country's largest business group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is opposed to the plan of a Macau-based company and its local partner to build a casino-resort complex in Boracay island.

"Boracay does not need a casino as another attraction. It is such a great attraction already, it doesn't need another attractions," PCCI Director for Tourism, Retail, and Finance Samie Lim told reporters on the sidelines of the business group's forum on airport development in Makati City.

Lim said the casino-resort should be built on the mainland Caticlan to spur economic growth in the area.

"Caticlan will grow so fast if there's going to be a casino in Caticlan," he said.

Last month, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) granted Galaxy and LRWC a provisional license for Boracay Philippines Resort and Leisure Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Galaxy Entertainment.

Galaxy Entertainment and LRWC intend to build a $500-million integrated resort-casino complex in a 23-hectare property in Barangay Manoc-Manoc on Boracay Island.

Starting April 26, the island will undergo a six-month closure for its rehabilitation as President Rodrigo Duterte called on for an environmental crackdown on the prime tourist destination, which he previously described as a "cesspool." —KBK, GMA News