Kalibo bishop appeals to Duterte: ‘No to gambling in Boracay’
BEACHES AND BETS The world-renowned beaches of Boracay will soon attract the bets of
high rollers, particularly from China, with casinos now allowed in the island resort. —FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Diocese of Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc on Sunday expressed his objection to the operation of a casino in the resort island of Boracay in Aklan.
Tala-oc expressed his objection after Duterte approved the operations of a casino on the island.
“Ako po ay umaapela sa Pangulo ng ating Republika na huwag niyang hayaan na maging pasugalan ang Isla ng Boracay,” he said in a statement.
(I am appealing to the President of the Republic not to allow casino operations on Boracay Island.)
Tala-oc said there is no need for a casino on Boracay, which the bishop refers to as “God’s gift,” as it already offers an avenue for employment, livelihood, and revenue for the government.
“But why do we need to put up a gambling casino? Gambling is a game of chance which foments a culture contrary to the demands of sound reason,” said Tala-oc.
“Gambling promotes not only indolence but also dependence, contrary to the work and industry for people to earn their living and contribute to the economic development of their community,” he added.
The bishop added that gambling progressively turns from being a habit to being a vice. “This gradual takeover of the human psyche by gambling is a big personal liability that can become no less than a socio-affective disorder,” he said.
Tala-oc also appealed to the provincial government of Aklan and to other clergy members to oppose the operation of casinos in Boracay, adding that the people of Aklan have the responsibility to “take care and protect Boracay.”
“We, therefore, strongly declare: No to gambling casino, no to gambling in Boracay,” Tala-oc said.
Duterte recently reversed his previous pronouncements against gambling after lifting the ban on casino operations in the popular tourist destination in an effort to generate taxes for the country’s COVID-19 response.
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