Nancy Binay opposes opening of casinos in Boracay

Senator Nancy Binay expressed opposition Friday on the opening of gambling houses and casinos on Boracay Island.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte had a change of heart on his no-casino policy in the island, citing the need for more revenues.

“I am totally against na ibalik ang gambling sa (bringing back gambling activities in) Boracay. That is not the type of tourist that we want in Boracay. May ibang puwedeng pagkunan ng pera (There are other means to collect more revenues),” Binay, chair of the Senate committee on tourism, said in an ANC interview.

“Alam naman natin na ang Boracay is crown jewel ‘yan ng ating tourism and sayang naman the way the island was brought back kung papayagan natin itong gambling,” she added.

(We all know that Boracay is the crown jewel of our tourism industry. The efforts for the island to be brought back will be put to waste if we will allow gambling activities in the island.)

Binay pointed out that no matter how much the government revenue is, these funds will be put to waste if the departments and agencies are not spending it wisely.

Furthermore, the lawmaker said the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) must explain how much revenues will the government collect if the casinos will be opened in Boracay.

“I am also wondering who advised the President na option ang pagbalik ng gambling sa Boracay and I don’t think na ‘yung income na makukuha sa gambling sa Boracay will be sufficient revenue para magamit ng government,” Binay added.

(I am also wondering who advised the President that gambling in Boracay is an option to get more revenues and I don’t think that the income from gambling in Boracay will be sufficient for government’s use.)

In April 2018, Duterte said the government is not planning to entertain a casino project in Boracay Island.

His previous remark came after Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. and its local partner Leisure and Resorts Worlds Corp. announced a $500-million casino resort project in the island.—AOL, GMA News