Visayas solons back ‘Las Vegas-style’ project

TACLOBAN CITY—Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone described as a “welcome development” the plan to put up a “Las Vegas-style” casino and tourism complex in the country.

Evardone, who chairs the House committee on public information, said the operation of the “Entertainment Center” would not only lead to an increase in government revenues but attract more tourists as well, especially those who are fond of casinos.

“It will be a big boost to our tourism industry and it will provide thousands of job opportunities,” Evardone said in a text message on Wednesday.

Another congressman from the Visayas, Erico Aumentado, expressed support for the project.

“If it could enhance the country’s economy, I would go for it,” said Aumentado, who is also a member of the House committee on tourism, in a statement quoting him.

“I believe it can boost tourism in the country,” said Aumentado.

Aside from more government revenues and job generation, he said, the proposed development would also benefit downstream industries such as suppliers of agriculture and marine products, among others.

He also said that the Philippines has an advantage over other countries in Asia, including Macau, the acknowledged gambling capital of Asia.

“I think we have huge advantage over Macau because of our facility of the English language, our warm hospitality and we can offer tourism destinations like Boracay, Tagaytay, Baguio and other areas as well,” Evardone said.

This early, Evardone tried to parry possible opposition from the Catholic Church on the plan to make the Philippines another gambling capital in Asia just like  Macau.

“Can they provide a better alternative on how to encourage investments and provide employment opportunities?” he said.

Evardone also believed that while there would be Filipino players in local casinos, the bulk of players would be foreigners.

Earlier, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) disclosed that the “Entertainment City,” a Las Vegas-style casino and tourism complex, is to rise in Manila Bay by 2015.

In the same statement, Aumentado rallied behind Pagcor Chair Cristino Naguiat Jr. and other officials who have been accused of corruption by Steve Wynn, chief executive officer of Wynn Resorts. He also supported the call by several lawmakers to ban Wynn from conducting business in the Philippines.

Aumentado said what Naguiat was being accused of “is part of industry practice.”