PAGCOR can afford to build a casino in Boracay, says Suarez

Instead of a foreign entity, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez on Wednesday suggested that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) build a casino on Boracay Island.

In a press briefing, Suarez said that since the construction of the integrated casino-resort that Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. may only cost $500 million, PAGCOR should do the project.

Suarez said the return of capital for gaming establishments only takes five to six years.

"Kung $500 million, e bakit hindi na lang PAGCOR?" he said.

"Why give it to the foreigners, why don't you do it yourself?" he added.

Suarez said he is in favor of building a casino in the popular tourist destination "if it will enhance employment."

But in doing so, Suarez said there should be an extension of the runway from Caticlan Airport to the main island to attract casino players.

"If you want this to be an international resort, you have to improve the runway," he said.

Suarez believes that the construction of a casino in Boracay would not be detrimental to the environment, especially that the island is facing temporary closure due to pollution problems.

"Not necessarily," he said when asked if the casino would further aggravate Boracay's environmental issues.

"Ang point ko nga, dapat hindi masyadong profit-oriented ang mga establishments doon. But there are ample rooms in the back where you can process waste," he added.

Suarez also said if PAGCOR would allow the casino to operate then the government should also profit from it.

"Sa amin lang, dapat partner tayo, hindi lang yung basta magbubukas diyan," he said.

"So ang suggestion ko kay Chairman [Andrea] Domingo, allow the casino but there must be PAGCOR participation on the profit," he added.

PAGCOR on Wednesday signed the provisional license for the casino resort on Wednesday. — BAP, GMA News