Erap denies allowing casino at Army Navy Club

The city government of Manila yesterday denied issuing a permit to operate to a casino being constructed at the Army Navy Club on Roxas Boulevard.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said the city government has not issued any permit to the establishment being built by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Estrada told The STAR that he has ordered city secre- tary and legal officer Edward Serapio to look into possible violations by Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corp., which is leasing the Army Navy Club.

“Pagcor is not under us. We did not give them permit to operate a casino in the area. If there is a violation, we will not issue a permit,” Estrada said.

The Army Navy Club is owned by the city government. Oceanville reportedly subleased a portion of the club to the Vanderwood Corp.

Non-profit group Mamamayang Ayaw sa Sugal (MASS) has appealed to President Duterte to protect Rizal Park, Army Navy Club and the Museo Pambata.

MASS head Michael Abcede said PAGCOR issued a notice of award in favor of Vanderwood for the lease of a portion of the Army and Navy Club compound, “where the casino will operate.”

The group said the construction, establishment or operation of a casino beside the Army Navy Club building, which is within Rizal Park, desecrates national historical landmarks.

The Army Navy Club was declared a national historical landmark in 1991.

“It violates Republic Act 10066, which provides for the protection, preservation and conservation and promotion the nation’s cultural heritage, its property and history,” it said.