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| CASINO AT AMIGO Slot machines, dice, and card games may become a fixture at the Amigo Hotel and mall if a casino opens up in Iloilo City. (Photo by Tara Yap) |
By Francis Allan L. Angelo
IT appears that the slot machines will just serve as precursor to the ultimate operation of a casino in the heart of Iloilo City.
This developed after Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog issued a “certificate of no objection” to the proposal of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to operate slot machines and eventually a casino in the city.
The possible operation of the casino stemmed from the July 2, 2010 letter of Pagcor president and chief operating officer Rafael A. Francisco to the Office of the City Mayor.
The letter proposed the operation of slot machines in the premises of Amigo Terrace Hotel and mall complex which will eventually expand into a casino.
The Iloilo club will also have slot machines, dice, card games and other casino games.
The proposal is part of Pagcor’s expansion program to boost alternative entertainment for foreign and local tourists.
Mabilog said the certificate is purely a local executive function since Pagcor has a national license to operate in the country sans endorsement from the local legislative body.
The mayor forwarded Pagcor’s letter to the City Council which was then referred to the committee on games and amusement headed by Councilor Lyndo Acap.
Acap said he is of the opinion that there is no need for the council to endorse Pagcor’s proposal since it was addressed to Mabilog only.
Acap said he will consult other committee members before making a final stand on the issue.
While he appears in favor of casino, Mabilog said Pagcor must implement safeguards to prevent students, minors and men in uniform from indulging in the casino.
The mayor’s main consideration in allowing a casino in the city is revenue to be earned from its operations.
He cited the cities of Bacolod and Tagaytay which earn around P1.2 million from Pagcor casinos.
Mabilog said tourists and businessmen who have nothing to do in the evening usually look for a casino to have fun and enjoy.
What about the moral side of the issue?
Mabilog said he keeps an open mind since casinos in Bacolod, Tagaytay and Metro Manila do not affect the social and moral values of people there.
The mayor said he reserves his religious and moral convictions on the issues of abortion and reproductive health.
Presently the city now hosts legalized gambling activities such as small town lottery and poker games.
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