Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz on Thursday criticized the Duterte administration’s support for casino operations even if charities profit from the government-sanctioned gambling activities.
“It’s so hard to accept that gambling will be used to help the poor. The end does not justify the means,” said Cruz in an interview with Radio Veritas.
Cruz is known for his nationwide crusade against all forms of gambling, including the illegal numbers game “jueteng.”
On his first day of office, President Duterte vowed to stop online gambling, citing its negative consequences.
The President ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to cancel the licenses of online casinos all over the country, saying there was no way to collect taxes from online gambling.
Duterte plans to use the Pagcor’s earnings to fund health services.