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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Not the tourism we want': Binay bucks opening of casinos in Boracay

'Not the tourism we want': Binay bucks opening of casinos in Boracay

Published Aug 27, 2021 08:43 pm

Senator Nancy Binay aired her opposition Friday, August 27, on President Duterte's plan to open casinos and gambling houses in Boracay Island.

Local children swim at the famous beach front of Boracay Island when it reopened to domestic tourists last October. (Tara Yap/MANILA BULLETIN)

"I am totally against na ibalik ang gambling sa Boracay (to bringing back gambling in Boracay). Hindi iyon ang (That's not the) type of tourist that we want in Boracay," Binay, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Binay believed that allowing casinos in Boracay will be in contrast with the government's efforts of rehabilitating the island. She also doubted that casinos would significantly contribute to the Philippines' revenues.

"There are other ways to raise revenue. And alam naman natin ang Boracay is crown jewel ‘yan ng ating tourism. And sayang naman the way the island was brought back kung papayagan natin itong gambling (we all know that Boracay is the crown jewel of our tourism industry. And the way the island was brought back will just be put to waste if we allow gambling)," she said.

The lawmaker also pointed out that no matter how much revenues are generated, "if we’re not spending it right, if we’re not spending it properly, sayang lang din ang pondo (the funds will still go to waste)."

"For me, it’s how you spend," she said amid the audit reports recently released about government disbursements.

Binay sought an explanation from economic and finance managers on the rationale behind the plan as she surmised that the President was only advised about the move.

"I’m also wondering who advised the president na option ang pagbalik ng gambling sa Boracay," she said.

"We can ask the Department of Finance or even , ano ba talaga ang nakikita ninyong revenue at bakit kailangang ibalik itong gambling sa Boracay (how much revenues are you expecting from and why do you see the need to bring back gambling in Boracay)?" she raised.

In his pre-recorded speech on Thursday night, Duterte apologized for changing his mind about gambling, saying the government needed funds.

"I’m hoping na hindi matuloy ang ganyang plano (that such plan will not push through)," Binay appealed.

Related Tags

President Duterte boracay rehabilitation tourism gambling Nancy Binay boracay
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