Another casino planned in Boracay amid opposition from Church

ILOILO CITY—A gaming firm is planning to put up a poker facility and club on Boracay Island despite opposition from Church and other groups against gambling on the island-resort.

Azur Poker and Gaming Corp. has submitted a letter to the Malay municipal council, seeking endorsement for the project, according to Councilor Rowen Aguirre.

Aguirre said the letter received by the council last week would be discussed by the council’s committee on tourism, which would hold public consultations. He said the council still had to get the details of the proposal.

The council had approved plans to build casinos for foreigners but so far, none has been put up.

Two plans had been endorsed—a casino in the posh Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club and a “junket operation” for Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center.

Junket operations are preorganized gambling tournaments for foreign players.

Aguirre said the council recognized opposition to casinos on the island.

Fr. Arnold Crisostomo, Boracay parish priest, said he was unaware of the proposal but that the stand of the Church on gambling was clear.

“We oppose gambling whatever form it takes,” he said.

The Diocese of Kalibo, civic groups and other religious organizations have held protest actions against casinos and gambling operations on the island.

Opponents of casinos and gambling operations on the island said they believed the island would not need a casino to raise revenues and attract more tourists.