Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has affirmed that President Duterte's decision to allow casino operations on the world-famous Boracay island in Aklan was indeed caused by the government’s need for additional funds.
"The President has given his go-signal allowing the operation of a casino in Boracay. Prior to this directive, casino establishments have not been operating in the island," Roque said in a statement on Saturday, Aug. 28.
"This latest presidential pronouncement is part of the revenue-generating efforts of the government to augment funds for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) response," the Palace official said.
In his "Talk to the People" public briefing on Thursday, Aug. 26, Duterte asked Filipinos for forgiveness after he had "contradicted" his earlier stand against gambling activities in Boracay.
“Patawara — patawarin na po ninyo ako (Please forgive me) for the contradiction. Ngayon po wala tayong pera. Kung saan man tayo makakuha ng pera, kukunin ko. Kung diyan sa gambling, so be it (Right now we have no money. Wherever we can get money, I’ll take it. If it’s from gambling, so be it),” he said.
The country has been racing to vaccinate a target number from its population of 110 million people in order to achieve herd immunity from the dreaded COVID-19.
Not able to produce its own supply of vaccines, the Philippines has had to rely on limited procurements and the generosity of donor nations in acquiring the life-saving jabs.
Roque said that casino operation in Boracay "shall follow restrictions such as the observance of safety and health protocols imposed in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring safeguards to keep children or minors away from gambling activities."