Boracay reopens without a casino

AUTHORITIES assured that Boracay will operate without a casino after its reopening Friday, October 26.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), though, recommended the issuance of an executive order (EO) for the “no casino” policy in Boracay to be implemented strictly.

The island was reopened to tourists on Friday after a six-month rehabilitation. About 157 accommodation establishments were allowed to accept visitors.

Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said in a press briefing that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has ordered the cancellation of permits of establishments operating casinos in the island.

“The President (Rodrigo Duterte) gave specific instructions to me that no casino shall be operating even the existing ones. We requested Pagcor Chair Andrea Domingo to cancel the franchise and permit of these existing casinos,” Año said.

He added that Domingo issued a cease and desist order on October 22.

“We can say to all of you, no casino is now existing in Boracay Island and we intend to implement that continuously,” he added.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra saw the need, however, for the issuance of an EO that “will guide not only the current administration but also for a longer term the matter of implementing a policy of no casinos in Boracay.”

He said several options have been considered when it comes to implementing Duterte’s order not to allow a casino from operating in Boracay, but the DOJ is recommending the issuance of the EO to maintain the concept of the island as a place for family-oriented activities, not for gambling.

“Dahil ang konsepto ng Boracay is a family and tipong family-oriented activity and not meant for foreigners or tourists who will come to Boracay not to enjoy the place but to engage in gambling,” Guevarra said.

As to the existing casinos in the island, Guevarra said their franchises are “revocable anytime.”

“A franchise, whether