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[av_heading heading=’MEGA CASINO IN BORACAY’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Tuesday, March 20, 2018
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Senators warn of island’s overcapacity, more eco woes
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) were asked to “closely study” the planned construction of a multimillion-dollar casino resort in Boracay Island.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. (GEG) and local partner Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) will push through with its $500-million resort with casino in the world-class tourist spot.
Two senators, however, have expressed their concerns, citing the current environmental problems in Boracay.
“Kailangan malaman natin kung paano mangyayari ito, kung planong isarado ang isla. Marami po tayong tanong na kailangan nilang sagutin,” said Sen. Nancy Binay, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
PAGCOR said it is set to sign the contract for Galaxy’s provisional license “before the end of the month.”
The public, according to Binay, has right to know how the government would proceed with the company’s application for the necessary permits following the imposition of a six-month construction moratorium in Boracay.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, said a mega casino in Boracay would lead to “overcapacity” on the island.
“I think they should reconsider building mega facilities in Boracay because we have to study the capacity of the island carefully first,” said Gatchalian.
The DENR, DILG, and the Department of Tourism also recommended to shut the island resort down for a maximum of one year to give way to its rehabilitation.
“Sinusuportahan po natin ang ginagawa ng DENR, DILG at DOT lalo na ‘yung indefinite suspension ng issuance ng mga building permits, ang moratorium for construction activities, ang crackdown ng illegal structures, pati na ang cancellation ng business permits at licenses to operate ng mga violators,” said Binay yesterday.
“Kaya nais po nating malaman kung nasaang stage na ang Galaxy pagdating sa permitting nito patungkol sa construction at operation ng planong casino-resort sa Boracay. Kailangan din po malaman ng ating taongbayan kung ano ang development plan ng Galaxy sa proposed site nito sa Boracay,” she added.
The lady senator said she wanted to know the site where Galaxy would be constructed.
“Maraming areas na po sa Boracay ang developed na, so saan itatayo ng Galaxy ang casino nito? Magde-demolish ba ng mga nakatayo nang structures to give way to Galaxy, or will it build on beach or forested land? Will Galaxy build on a wetland?” Binay asked.
According to Gatchalian, Boracay lacks the basic facilities such as a wastage facility.
“More people means more wastage, so we have to address that issue before anything else,” he said.
Boracay stakeholders were also urged to participate in Galaxy’s permitting process, including the crafting of the environmental impact statement and the conduct of the necessary consultations for the issuance of an environmental clearance certificate.
“While I welcome all developments that will give our countrymen more economic opportunities, pero in the light of the issues hounding Boracay, dapat lamang na maging aktibo tayo upang maiwasan na mangyari ulit ang mga issues na hinaharap ng isla,” Binay said./PN
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