Proposed casinos will operate under existing laws — Boracay IATF

Boracay Island (JACK JARILLA

MANILA, Philippines — The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) has vowed to ensure that casino operations in the tourist hotspot will be in accordance with existing laws, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement encouraging the establishment of casinos in the island.

In a statement on Friday night, the BIATF said that it “will carry out the necessary steps” following the remarks of the President.

Duterte earlier said he favors the operation of casinos in Boracay to generate more funds for the government.

“In line with the President’s latest pronouncement that casinos will now be allowed to operate in Boracay Island to augment government funds, the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force will carry out the necessary steps towards this direction,” the task force said.

The BIATF is chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and co-chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism.

The task force, however, reminded all businesses to submit to requirements and accreditation processes.

It vowed to practice due diligence to ensure that only those who are compliant will be issued the necessary permits.

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