BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan-- The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has officially partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the delivery of basic health services of the government will reach remote barangays in the country.
The LMP-DOH partnership was sealed in the just concluded three day conference held here March 28-30.
Malinao Mayor Wilbert Ariel Igoy who joined the summit said that Health Secretary Enrique Ona spoke with 90 mayors representing different regions in the country. Representatives from the Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control Tuberculosis (TBLINC) project also attended the conference.
"Among the health issues that needed to be given special attention is the government's advocacy on eliminating measles cases and TB in the country. This is part of our government response to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG)," Igoy said. LMP-Aklan chapter was the host of the conference.
Meanwhile, Ona also led the ceremony upgrading the Boracay District Hospital here to expand its services for the needs of both the tourists and the residents.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Boracay Island inaugurates multi-million-peso sewage treatment plant
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan– This island resort inaugurated Tuesday its multi-million-peso sewage treatment plant, which was constructed through a public-private partnership.
Malay Mayor John Yap said that the sewage treatment plant (STP) upgrading project was contracted by the Ayala-firm Boracay Island Water Co. Inc. (BIWC).
The BIWC was given the contract to operate the water treatment plant and sewage system for 25 years.
"The STP upgrading project which started last April 2010 increases the wastewater treatment capacity of the island by 230 percent. Consequently, this project advances environment-compliance four years ahead of the concession target," Yap said.
Last week, Yap also led the groundbreaking of the sanitary landfill in nearby Barangay Kabulihan, Malay, Aklan in cooperation with the R-II Group of Companies headed by its chair Reghis Romero.
Yap considered the sanitary landfill as a major project that would address the solid waste management concerns of the island.
"While there are indeed current actions to process and manage the island's solid waste through the implementation of Materials Recovery Facility, more comprehensive and long term solution is needed if the ecological safety and sustainability of the island is considered," Yap said, adding that he only continues the plan of the previous administration for Boracay. (photo by Alex Carlo Magno)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
James Yap leads All-Star balloting for Boracay outing
MANILA(PNA) -- As expected, James Yap emerged as the frontrunner in the early balloting for the coming 2011 PBA All-Star game the island paradise of Boracay is hosting for the first time.
Yap, the league’s two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) from Derby Ace, received a total of 7,452 fan votes to lead all candidates comprising the roster of both North and South teams for the May 18 to 23 festivities dubbed as 'Hala Bola Boracay 2011 All Star weekend.’
The former University of the East star is tops among backcourt players for the South squad that also included Talk `N Text’s Jimmy Alapag (4,338), Cyrus Baguio of Alaska (3,933), Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros (3,303) and Ronald Tubid of Barangay Ginebra (2,763).
Among the South big men (center/forwards), San Miguel’s Jay Washington leads the pack with 4,824 votes followed by Kelly Williams of Talk 'N' Text (4,194), Meralco’s Asi Taulava (3,798), Ginebra’s Eric Menk (3,240) and the Alaska duo of Joe Devance (2,997) and Sonny Thoss (2,799).
Meanwhile, Yap’s Derby Ace teammate, Mark Pingris received the highest number of votes so far among players from the North side.
The energetic forward tallied 3,807 votes to lead the list of top North big men. At second is fellow Llamados Kerby Raymundo with 3,312 and at third is Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, the 2010 All-Star MVP, with 2,988.
Likewise getting the nod of the fans are Ginebra’s JC Intal (2,466), veteran San Miguel center Danny Ildefonso (2,160) and Ginebra’s Rudy Hatfield (2,124).
The popular Ginebra combo of Mark Caguioa and Willie Miller shows the way in the guard position with votes of 3,375 and 2,488, respectively.
Rounding out the other top three guard candidates for the North team are Alaska’s L.A. Tenorio (2,016), San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot (2,007) and Paul Artadi of Air21 (1,773).
Voting, which began last February 27, is still ongoing and will only be held during game days at the PBA playing venue.
Final day of voting is on April 10.
Reserves of both teams will be chosen by the nine PBA coaches, but they are prohibited from voting for their players.
The rest of the participants in the other events will be made on the first week of April.
Members of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas team were not included in the voting as the Nationals are set to see action in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup from May 28 to June 5 which the country is hosting.
Last year the North All Stars edged out South, 133-132, during the All-Star game held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. (photo courtesy of pinoytayo.com)
CONFLICT IN PARADISE
Tess Lapuz-Lardizabal-Journal Tonight
GEOPHYSICIST Jesse Liam Cannon, 26, has faced the most vicious pirates. He has survivednatural disasters. And he has been up close to highly toxic elements. Yet the UK national never thought his life could be changed by a more corrosive evil -- a group of swindlers in what used to be paradise, Boracay. Cannon, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, NorthIreland and Australia, instantly fell in love with Boracay when he visited the Philippines in Feb. 2010. “I definitely thought Boracay was the most beautiful place. I saw it as a paradise where I could have a nice relaxing life, set up my home and invest.”
The exploration and research geologist browsed the Internet and came upon boracayluxuryhomes.com, a website of Boracay Luxury Homes (BLH).
“BLH offered me condo Unit 304 at Villa Sofia in Fairways & Bluewater Resort in Boracay Islands for P6 million. I was asked to pay a reservation fee of P100,000,” he revealed.
In April 2010, Cannon formally bought Unit 304. The contract to sell, dated April 15, 2010, was signed by him and Sumit Khanna, BLH director of operations and marketing.
In June 2010, after paying the down payment and three installments totaling P3,712,360.25, Cannon was told by Sumit that Unit 304 was no longer available and that BLH would just sell him Unit 303. The complainant again signed another contract to sell also dated April 15, 2010.
In August 2010, Cannon received an email from a certain Raffy Cooper who revealed that Dolora Khanna, BLH CEO, and Sumit Khanna had not been furnishing the unit he had paid for. Cooper also revealed that BLH could not actually sell the subject unit.
Cooper was a former agent of Dolora and Sumit. He allegedly left the couple as he couldn’t stand how they reportedly verbally abused employees and other people.
Upon verifying with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Cannon discovered that BLH does not have a license to sell any condo unit in Villa Sofia at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort in Boracay Island or at the alleged Catalina Building at The Cliff, Boracay Island.
Cannon later learned that the respondents had been trying to sell to him a non-existent property located at an area in Boracay called The Cliff.
The Fairways and Bluewater Resort has also stated that it did not issue an authority to sell the units of Sofia Condominium to Dolora and Sumit.
On Nov. 12, 2010, Cannon filed charges for violation of Section No. 5, in relation to Section No. 39, of Presidential Decree No. 957 against BLH officials Dolora “Dolly” C. Khanna, CEO; Sumit Khana, director of operations and marketing; Rochelle Fender, director of international sales; Darrel Girdner, general manager; Joseph Rose, director of finance; Rex Carlson, director of finance; and Julie Rose, marketing and business development consultant.
The case was filed before the Department of Justice.
In order to warn more unsuspecting buyers and to prevent the respondents from victimizing more investors, especially foreigners, Cannon also sought the help of People’s Tonight. This is his story.
“These criminals are really professionals. They know what they’re doing. They’re experts at twisting the facts against the victims. I can’t describe the flood of lies that they’ve been feeding. They put people under an illusion. They put on convincing appearances. It’s a nightmare in paradise,” said Cannon.
Cannon fears that more foreigners, who transact business on the Internet like him, would fall prey to such a “scam.” “I hope I could get justice. The overwhelming feeling in Europe is that the Philippines is becoming the place to go. This incident has been very traumatic. I really put everything into it. I want the Philippines, the justice system to do me good in the end. I want my life back.”
-----------------------------------
COMMENT OF MR. SUMMIT KHANNA
Raffy Cooper was a former employee of Fairways and Bluewaters but left that group because of he claimed that he wasn’t being paid his salary. BLH originally hired him as a sales/marketing but unfortunately was too meek and shy to bring in any sales.
Instead of laying off Raffy, BLH felt sorry for him so they found Raffy a place in their newly built BLH office located within Fairways and Bluewaters. BLH was brought into Fairways to finish constructing and sell the remaining Sofia Condo units, buildings 8&9, and develop the Third Cove. Cooper simply was hired to open and close the office and was paid a substantial amount to do just that and nothing more. The rest of the day Cooper would sometimes take messages or play around with his Facebook account.
BLH management gave Cooper many cash advances that we never deducted from his salary. Cooper pawned off a BLH company phone and neither the money nor the phone was ever returned. BLH also paid the medical bills for Cooper’s wife to undergo a Cesarean Section of his new born child. Cooper was also given as a present an authentic DKNY stainless steel watch and laptop. Cooper did not resign but instead was laid off due to the closing of the BLH office in Fairways. Raffy was very upset that the office was closed and his very simple job of opening and closing the office was gone. Raffy took a turn for the worst when BLH did not re-hire him so thus began the slander and libel against BLH by Mr. Cooper. In addition, Raffy tried contacting numerous clients of BLH to turn them against BLH and was successful with Jesse Cannon.
Jesse Cannon’s purchase went sour due to internal problems within the Fairways and Bluewaters group and was not the fault of BLH. BLH felt out with Fairways & Bluewaters and explained to Jesse that they don’t feel confident that Fairways will complete and deliver the unit as promised. BLH offered Jesse a more expensive unit for the same price he was paying at Fairways to make things fair for everyone. Jesse agreed to BLH’s offer because the community and views offered truly surpass the virtually non-existent views from the Sofia building. Jesse’s unit is almost finished and will be completed well in advance than his July deadline. The BLH group of attorneys headed by Attorney Justice Manuel Lazaro, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, and Matt Hachuela has verified with the DOJ and there are no cases filed against any persons from the BLH group at this time.
Why am I not surprised to see you posting lie after lie again about BLH?
So, you allegedly left the couple as he couldn’t stand how they reportedly verbally abused employees and other people?
I did not know that someone paying for the hospital bill of your wife for her to able to leave was abusing people. Good Dolly was there to take care of that!
In the so called article: “BLH does not have a license to sell any condo unit in Villa Sofia at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort”
So what were you doing in Fairways everyday? What office were you? Are you saying that BLH had not right to sell but:
- build up an office next to the bar/ restaurant
- people from fairways were coming to the office to give the keys,
- management of fairways were going to that office
- that they started a project, which means bringing materials and workers who cannot access without ID inside Fairways
Then: “The Fairways and Bluewater Resort has also stated that it did not issue an authority to sell the units of Sofia Condominium to Dolora and Sumit.”
Wait! Fairways gave the keys of the unit to you, Raffy, shower enclosure were installed, so Fairways were letting BLH do that without authorization or to scam them after, like they did with the windows in the office when BLH DEICIDE to stop with Fairways since they saw what was going on!
Should we continue the list? Or this is enough to expose your lies. You are still so sad to not be in that nice office doing facebook all day long, that you need to post lie all around the internet?
You are defending those foreigners that have been scammed? I think they’re having great time in their house, so where is the scam? What about what does foreigner have done last October? Supporting Filipino being hostages? What do you have to say about that as a Filipino?
Business group registers opposition to casino
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) has registered its strong opposition to the proposed operation of a casino in this resort island.
BFI president Loubell Cann said their opposition was based on the survey they conducted recently even if some of their members are favoring the casino operation.
Recently, the Malay council had endorsed the Fairways and Bluewaters Corporation for the operation of the casino but they need to get accreditation from the Philippine Amusement Games Corporation (PAGCOR) before they could start the gaming facility in their resort.
Aside from Fairways, an undisclosed Korean firm also wants to operate a junket casino operation here.
"We are opposing the casino because once the casino started operation in this resort island, it would create a precedent for other resort owners to follow suit. Thus, Boracay would indeed become a gambling haven. For several years, we have tried our best to promote Boracay as a family tourism destination," said Cann.
The Catholic church currently leads in opposing the casino operation in this island resort of Boracay.
BFI president Loubell Cann said their opposition was based on the survey they conducted recently even if some of their members are favoring the casino operation.
Recently, the Malay council had endorsed the Fairways and Bluewaters Corporation for the operation of the casino but they need to get accreditation from the Philippine Amusement Games Corporation (PAGCOR) before they could start the gaming facility in their resort.
Aside from Fairways, an undisclosed Korean firm also wants to operate a junket casino operation here.
"We are opposing the casino because once the casino started operation in this resort island, it would create a precedent for other resort owners to follow suit. Thus, Boracay would indeed become a gambling haven. For several years, we have tried our best to promote Boracay as a family tourism destination," said Cann.
The Catholic church currently leads in opposing the casino operation in this island resort of Boracay.
Monday, March 28, 2011
WHO ARE THE VISITORS OF THIS SITE?
This site has already reached 10,000 visitors mark. According to this site, audience on pageviews by countries were:
Philippines - 3,816
United States - 1,690
Australia- 829
United Kingdom- 612
Canada- 444
Singapore- 300
South Korea-224
Malaysia-209
United Arab Emirates-162
Germany- 155
Some pageviews were also registered in Japan, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Ukraine and others. Thank you for patronage.
ADMIN
Philippines - 3,816
United States - 1,690
Australia- 829
United Kingdom- 612
Canada- 444
Singapore- 300
South Korea-224
Malaysia-209
United Arab Emirates-162
Germany- 155
Some pageviews were also registered in Japan, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Ukraine and others. Thank you for patronage.
ADMIN
Team Azkals join fun run
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan- The Philippine Azkals team will be joining Malay Mayor John Yap in the first fun run in a bid to preserve the white beach of Boracay.
Elena Brugger, environment consultant of Yap for Boracay said that the awareness campaign will be held on April 23 in this resort island.
The fun run will start from Boracay station three to one towards the Eco-Villages.
"At least 5,000 both tourists and locals have already signified their intention in joining the fun run," said Brugger.
Categories of the said fun run will be 2.5 kilometers, five kilometers, ten kilometers and 21 kilometers. The run will also not focus at the beach front but also at the back street.
Its theme is "Sali Ako Diyan (Count Me In) I care for Boracay, I will run for Boracay.
Organized by Unlimited Events Inc the project is also in partnership and supported by non-government organizations in Boracay such as Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Municipality of Malay, Aklan. The project also aims to raise funds for the activities to preserve the white sand of Boracay.
After the fun, run, there will be a special beach football tournament match to be participated by national team Azkals.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Malay council plans to transfer all-terrain vehicles from Boracay Island to mainland
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Malay council is eyeing the transfer of operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and bug cars from this resort island to nearby Malay, Aklan.
The council projected that the transfer of their operations would extend the tourism areas in mainland and at the same time ease the traffic problems in the island resort.
ATVs and bug cars are usually being operated by Korean investors.
To do this, the Zoning and Engineering Office was tasked to survey the areas for the operation of both ATV's and bug cars in Malay. One of its terminals will be located in Barangay Caticlan, Malay.
Among the areas that were being proposed to be part of the route are the Pangihan Cave, Agnaga Falls, Barangay Kabulihan and Naasug areas. These have been considered as alternative tourism destinations.
The plan to transfer the operation of tourists vehicles will be complemented with the ongoing construction of a Polo Club in nearby Nabas, Aklan. Once the billion-peso worth of investments is materialized, bug cars and ATV operations are expected to flourish.
Report said that the San Miguel Corporations is also eyeing to develop a Hollywood-like Theme Park in Caticlan. Already, the San Miguel Corporation is facilitating the upgrading of the Caticlan Airport to international standard.
The council projected that the transfer of their operations would extend the tourism areas in mainland and at the same time ease the traffic problems in the island resort.
ATVs and bug cars are usually being operated by Korean investors.
To do this, the Zoning and Engineering Office was tasked to survey the areas for the operation of both ATV's and bug cars in Malay. One of its terminals will be located in Barangay Caticlan, Malay.
Among the areas that were being proposed to be part of the route are the Pangihan Cave, Agnaga Falls, Barangay Kabulihan and Naasug areas. These have been considered as alternative tourism destinations.
The plan to transfer the operation of tourists vehicles will be complemented with the ongoing construction of a Polo Club in nearby Nabas, Aklan. Once the billion-peso worth of investments is materialized, bug cars and ATV operations are expected to flourish.
Report said that the San Miguel Corporations is also eyeing to develop a Hollywood-like Theme Park in Caticlan. Already, the San Miguel Corporation is facilitating the upgrading of the Caticlan Airport to international standard.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED GAMING OPERATIONS IN BORACAY
INVESTIGATIVE SPECIAL REPORT:
By: Alex Guevarra – Freelance Gaming Investigative Writer
Last March 17, 2011, the Sangguniang Bayan of Municipality of Malay, Aklan, Philippines conducted a public hearing in connection with the application in Station 2, Boracay Island for a Resolution of No Objection on the proposed venue to host for a PAGCOR sanctioned ‘junket operations’ strictly for pre-registered “foreign players only”.
The Sangguniang Bayan members who conducted the hearing include the following: Councilor Rowen Aguire, Chairman, Committee on Laws & Ordinances; Councilor Jonathan Cabrera, Chairman, Committee on Good Government; Councilor Wilvec Gelito, Chairman, Committee on Games & Amusement; and, Councilor Jupiter Gallenero, Chairman, Committee on Public Order & Safety.
Significantly, the public hearing that was attended by representatives of the private sector and several members of the local print and broadcast media was the first time that a hearing was ever held in relation to the proposed establishment of a PAGCOR sanctioned Gaming Operations in Boracay Island.
Represented by the Atty. Alfredo L. Villamor, an incisive Gaming and Entertainment Lawyer, the proponents of the Junket Operations presented a dissertation addressing the concerns of the clergy regarding the opening of casinos in Boracay based on moral and social reasons.
The salient points of the dissertation also include compromise solutions that reconcile and resolve the colliding propositions of those who are in favor of legalized/regulated gambling due to economic reasons and against it due to social and moral grounds.
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO ESTABLISH CASINO IN BORACAY
Last January 25, 2011, the Municipal Council of Malay has issued a resolution expressing its conformity to the proposal of the Cariño Development Management Corp. (CDMC) to build a casino at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club that would be restricted to foreign passport holders, foreign tourists, Fairway Club members and the resort’s guests. But, as in previous occasions, this was vigorously opposed by the religious sector, particularly by FR. MAGLOIRE PLACER, Parish Priest, Boracay Island, Boracay, Malay, Aklan. With such strong opposition, the Municipal Council’s Resolution of No Objection to Casino Operations within the premises of Fairways and Blue Waters for which no prior hearing was conducted, was practically shelved by PAGCOR and have not warranted the opening of a full casino therein.
During the term of Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay also passed a resolution allowing PAGCOR to construct a casino at Club Panoly that was situated in Barangay Yapac, Boracay Island. It was maintained that the decision to allow PAGCOR to operate on Boracay was premised on the same reason that Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao and other local governments allowed the casinos to operate: economic reasons and providing an alternative entertainment to tourists flocking to Boracay.
But the casino never opened as Boracay parishioners led by Fr. Isauro Sau David, parish priest of Boracay, mounted opposition since October 2002, when they first learned of the plan to build a PAGCOR casino on the island. Father David was supported by Mr. Lowell Talamisan who was then the President of the Parish Pastoral Council, as well other leaders of the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) – the umbrella organization of more or less 200 hotel and resort owners – that conducted sustained prayer vigil in front of Club Panoly until PAGCOR buckled due to the pressure.
Indeed, the Catholic clergy and other community leaders stood firm on their conviction that the casino can result to addiction to gambling which could destroy families and businesses and worsen other social problems, including alcoholism, prostitution and illegal drugs.
CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WITH BORACAY NGOs AND PARISH PRIEST
In a meeting between Atty. Villamor and Mr. Talamisan last March 19, 2011 (Sat) at Sea Breeze, a beachfront restaurant owned and operated by Boracay Regency, it was impressed by the latter that his group will continue to oppose the establishment of any land-base gaming facility in Boracay regardless whether it is a full-casino or “junket operation” only.
On March 20, 2011 Atty Villamor attended the Sunday mass accompanied by Mr. Talamisan, and they subsequently sought audience before Fr. Placer in an attempt to enlighten him about the economic contributions of the proposed Junket Gaming in the island as well as the whole Municipality of Malay. However, the good Priest respectfully turned down the idea of putting any gaming operations in the Island. In a nutshell, Fr. Placer defined his position as consistent with the Catholic tenet that prohibits any form of gambling. Nevertheless, Fr. Placer expressed appreciation to Atty Villamor who exerted efforts to pay respect, and reach out and educate the Religious and civil society sectors in Boracay about the economic benefits of the proposed Junket Gaming Operations without involving the local players.
THE POSITION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON GAMBLING: APOSTOLIC BLESSING TO PAGCOR BY POPE BENEDICT XVI
In a dissertation, entitled “A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHURCH'S MORAL STANCE ON GAMBLING/JUETENG” that was published in the Website of the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, author Dave Gregory M. Antenor-Cruz asserted that “The Bible has nothing to say concerning gambling, as such. There is no explicit moral prohibition of gambling in the Scriptures.”
The author also cited the fact that in 1989, Jaime Cardinal Sin issued a Pastoral Statement entitled"On The Morality or Immorality of Gambling" wherein Cardinal Sin acknowledged that gambling in moderation could contribute to a person’s relaxation and well being. But, “the trouble with these gambling activities when led by greed, undue competition and compulsive behavior, what was supposed to be an honest entertainment becomes intemperate betting or gambling.”
Among the significant conclusions stated in the dissertation is that, “gambling with the intention of making profit to raise funds ranging from government expenditures to charitable causes is morally acceptable as long as institutions implement a morally responsible control.”
Perhaps, it is in the context of the foregoing that the humanitarian services of former Chairman Ephraim C. Genuino and PAGCOR merited the apostolic blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The unprecedented certification of Papal Blessing was published in the People Asia Magazine that also recognized Genuino as among the People of the Year Awardees for 2008.
APPLYING THE SOUTH KOREAN SOLUTION
As an investigative freelance journalist in the field of gaming, this writer who attended the public hearing as a gaming resource person and an observer representing Mr. Jerry Yap, the President of the National Press Club (NPC), noted that Junket Operator’s proposal to serve as venue host for a PAGCOR sanctioned “junket operation” is technically no different from a full casino except that the players are limited to foreign players only. PAGCOR has been operating this kind of gaming for a number of years already. Junket operations are held in casinos all over the country such as Clark, Subic, Tagaytay, Hotel Casinos in Manila, Davao, Cebu City and Fort Ilocandia. Under this system, PAGCOR would tie up with a Junket Operator who would have agents recruiting foreign players/gamblers from other countries. After compliance with the prerequisites of the Junket Operator, these recruited foreign players would be grouped together and scheduled to go to the Philippines in order to gamble at a predetermined venue authorized by PAGCOR. Only those who have been registered by the Junket Operator prior to the date of actual gaming shall be allowed to gamble. The operations are being bankrolled by the proponents at no cost to PAGCOR.
Atty. Villamor emphatically declared that there are innumerable measures that can be adopted in order to prevent local players from playing which may include the creation of a multi-sectoral council which would include, among others, a representative of the Church, with appropriate monitoring and regulatory powers.
In Korea, there is a law that absolutely prohibits Koreans from engaging in any form of gambling. But since the government is cognizant of the financial and economic benefits of maintaining casinos for tourists, it has put up a resort island known as Jeju Island where hotel-casinos are allowed to operate but exclusively to foreign players only. There are more at least 14 more Casinos operating in different places in Korea with the same set up and this system has been in operation for more or less twenty (20) years now and clearly, the system works. The system serves and accomplishes the purpose of gaining from the economic benefits of tourism-gambling with the locals being effectively insulated from the perceived evils thereof.
THE ASIAN GAMING PHENOMENON
The region's increasing wealth is funding a gambling boom that saw Macau overtake Las Vegas in casino revenue and triggered other Asian countries to establish their own gaming facilities.
While Macau remains by far the region's largest casino market with a record $23.5 billion gross winnings last year - about four times the revenue on the Las Vegas Strip, governments from Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka to Fiji are also eyeing gambling parlors as a way to help attract more tourist dollars.
In Singapore, where two casino complexes opened in 2010, revenue this year is seen hitting $6.5 billion, rivaling the current take in Las Vegas. Asia could overtake the United States to become the world's biggest legal casino gaming market by the end of next year, said Jonathan Galaviz, casino industry analyst and chief economist at US-based Galaviz and Co consultancy.
While Macau's many casinos concentrate on gambling, Singapore's formula of "integrated resorts" combines two casinos with other attractions. "Most governments in Asia would like to see their casino strategies actually be tourist growth strategies," Galaviz added.
Following the pronouncement of President Benigno Aquino III that “casinos should be established in tourist destination areas”, Cristino L. Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR said last year that the Philippines also hopes to see Singapore-style integrated resorts developed, to tap the Chinese market.
Indubitably, Boracay stands as the prime candidate being the top tourist destination. On the other hand, it may soon slide down to the lowest rank in the absence of gaming facilities therein. Indeed, the growth in casino gaming in Asia is not just isolated to China. It's an Asia-wide phenomenon.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF REGULATED GAMING AND PAYMENT FOR THE PHP 40 M LOANS FM DBP
As a mater of policy, PAGCOR ensures that the host local government unit gets a share from the latter’s revenues out of its operations in the locality. And, by agreement, the host local government unit may also share in the revenues of the junket operator. Most of the time, the funds earned by the local government unit are devoted to directly benefit its indigent constituents by way of social and livelihood projects.
Despite the well publicized opposition of the religious and private business sectors against the proposed casino operation in Boracay, numerous residents are expressing dismay over the phlegmatic pace of development and lack of social services in the island-resortcomposed of three (3) barangays – Balabac, Yapak and Manocmanoc. Of course, most does not realize that even as an average of 800,000 tourists flock to Boracay annually with combined tourists receipts of Php13.0 Billion (based on statistical data from the Department of Tourism), the Municipality of Malay only derives total revenue of 100 million from local taxes and permits/ licenses and a paltry sum of 45 million Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share.
Surely, this is insufficient to build community hospitals, livelihood training center, minor offenders rehabilitation center, technical vocational schools, water systems in the mainlands villages, better roads, public markets, slaughter house, cold storage, fishermans wharf, agricultural support facilities, funds for livelihood support programs, and other infrastructure projects to include the effective and sustainable environmental preservation.
Malay Councillor Jonathan Cabrera revealed that he is advocating the establishment of PAGCOR sanctioned gaming facilities in Boracay as he believes that securing more revenues for community development is the most important objective at the moment.
“Most of our budget goes to the maintenance and other operating expenses and personal services of the LGU and the Environmental Protection and Preservation expenditures like maintenance of the Material Recovery Facilities and that include the amortization for the Php40 million loanfrom the Development Bank of the Philippines to build the Malay Sanitary Land Fill Project,” Cabrera said as he explained that there is practically nothing left for other vital projects.
Cabrera averred that it is their mandate as local government officials to determine income generating measures and source out additional revenues and assistance from other agencies in order to address the needs of its inhabitants who has high expectations from the local government. “We were given a genuine mandate of our constituents to ensure their welfare, and that is what we are doing”, he added.
Aside from the economic considerations, Atty. Villamor also argued that there are effective means to maintain the image of Boracay as a wholesome, family oriented tourist destination known for its several kilometers of white-sand beachfront area with various water-sports and land-based activities even if a foreign-players-only casino is allowed in Boracay. In this context, it was proposed that this foreign-players-only casino shall not be allowed to operate at any beachfront establishment.
Moreover, it was prayed that the resolution to be issued by the Municipal Council will limit the operation to an experimental period for at least three (3) years and no similar resolution shall be issued by the Municipal Council during the experimental period.
PROLIFERATION OF UNDERGROUND GAMBLING IN BORACAY
However, Mr. Lito Motus, a retired American citizen living in Boracay who attended the hearing as a representative of the private sector stated during the hearing that he and numerous expatriates enjoying their twilight years in Boracay favor a full casino rather than foreign-only junket operations in as much they have money to spend on gambling.
Another indication that tourists and expatriates living in the island are actually craving for the establishment of gaming facilities in Boracay is the alleged proliferation of underground gambling joints that serve as venues for poker and other card games that yields no revenue for the local government.
Indeed, Boracay may be considered as among the most popular tourist destination in the world, but competition is slowly creeping in such that unless new and innovative tourist attractions are adopted to enhance its appeal and attractiveness, it might eventually be left behind.
On this note, Mayor John Yap and majority of the Sangguniang Bayan members remains optimistic that PAGCOR regulated gaming operations in Boracay – whether “full casino or junket operations (foreign players only)” - shall soon emerge so as to enable the community to already enjoy the anticipated economic benefits without compromising its social and moral values.
INFLATED COST OF LIVING IN BORACAY: THE PRICE THEY HAVE TO PAY
With the exception of the few landed families and wealthy business owners, most of the more or less 30,000 residents are suffering from the inflated cost of living in Boracay Island. Indeed, theprices of basic commodities are already jacked up due to the added cost of transporting the goods from mainland Aklan but with the continuous influx of tens of thousands of tourists descending to Boracay, the prices of food and other essential items are inflated beyond the means of the locals.
Councilor Cabrera disclosed that majority of the local populace are no longer capable of buying prime meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and other food stuffs that were largely allocated to restaurants, hotels and resorts catering to tourists. Hence, the ordinary Boracay residents are left with scraps and rejects. The alarming situation is that most of the Malay residents are actually living below the poverty line, and the local government cannot do anything about it due to lack of funds for basic social services. This is one of the adverse effects of the booming tourism industry that has never been addressed.
Boracay has already gained world-wide recognition as among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Yet, it is clearly evident that the economic windfall is being reaped by a privileged few resulting to the marginalization of a vast numbers of local residents.
WHAT MAKES BORACAY DIFFERENT?
At present, there are already 27 Casinos and Slot Machine Arcades (PAGCOR VIP Clubs) operating in the Philippines. There are at least 5 more currently in various stages of development. As expected, there had been opposition from the religious sector in the respective areas where the gaming operations emerged but not as vigorous and sustained as in Boracay.
This writer believes that the alleged powerful lobby group opposing the establishment of PAGCOR sanctioned casino operations in Boracay will continue to block efforts to change the status quo in as much as they are presently enjoying brisk business from the influx of local and foreign tourists despite the lack of legitimate gaming facilities. And this lobby group can actually muster a motley group of noisy protesters over a long period of time in as much as Boracay is relatively small compared to other cities where gaming proponents managed to build and operate casinos.
It is not actually a question of insulating the local populace from the emergence of social evils such as addiction to gambling, proliferation of illegal drugs, rampant prostitution and other vices that are already pre-existent but a question of preserving their economic advantage and status. With majority of the residents working in various establishments catering to tourists, and eking out a living in impoverished conditions, they are not financially capable of indulging in such vices. Yet, it was gathered that they have to participate in protest actions against the establishment of casinos in Boracay as they are allegedly directed by their employers.
In any case, the political will of the incumbent local executive officials acting in unison with PAGCOR would serve as a crucial factor in determining the fate of the proposed gaming operations. With the dismal, rural conditions of the infra-structures and the lack of basic social services in the island, it is imperative that the local government must exercise its mandate to generate the much needed revenues.
WHAT MUST BE DONE? Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center (CRCC) as the ideal place for “junket operations”.
In order to come up with empirical data that could either validate the arguments of those advocating the establishment of gaming facilities in Boracay or affirm the contentions of those opposing it, Cabrera and Villamor maintained that it is imperative to allow a PAGCOR sanctioned ‘junket operation” limited to an experimental period for at least three (3) years.
This alternative solution was actually proposed as an integral part of the amended application ofCrown Regency Resort and Convention Center (CRCC) that has been singled out by agroup of Korean gaming investors as the ideal place for their “pre-registered foreign players only or junket operations”. Strategically situated in a more that 4 hectares property along the main road of Station 2, the Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center with 480 elegant units, 1,800 guest conference center, a water world theme park featuring a giant aquarium and wave pool and other amenities qualifying it as an integrated Significantly, the gaming company based in South Koreas is one of the biggest Junket Casino Operators in the Philippines with extensive operations in the Philippines, Macau and Korea catering mostly to Japanese, Chinese and Korean gaming tourists.
Aside from the proposed “pre-registered foreign players only or junket operations” at CRCC, PAGCOR and the Municipal Council of Malay may also consider the operation of an “off-shore” or “floating gaming venue” (cruise ship casino concept) that would strictly cater to tourists and foreign passport holders who shall pay ‘access fees’ for the privilege to enter the gaming venue. A fully lighted “floating gaming venue” cruising around the island, may serve as an additional attraction with a nightly spectacle of fire-works display for the enjoyment of more tourists and visitors.
Another alternative solution is a land-based “junket operation” outside Boracay but within a secluded area of Malay. Like the “off-shore” or “floating gaming venue”, this will be restricted to tourists and foreign passport holders who shall be required to pay ‘access fees’.
Of course, a Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Committee composed of representatives from the religious and private sector as well as other stakeholders based in Boracay shall be activated to ensure that there would be adverse socio-economic effects to the local populace as well as to the existing business entities in the island. The same Committee shall be in charge of collecting the access fees, and in the disbursement thereof. Additionally, the Committee may demand specific projects from PAGCOR and/or the ‘junket operator” that addresses priority needs of the local populace.
All the foregoing alternatives could generate a substantial amount that could be earmarked to community projects and programs to ameliorate the living conditions of the majority of the local populace.
Yet, the foregoing proposals should be threshed out in a proper forum jointly conducted by PAGCOR and the Malay Municipal Government with the participation all stakeholders, to include the Barangay Chairpersons of concerned barangays.
THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS: SOLVING POVERTY
In simple terms, the situation in Boracay can be likened to a choice between two evils – the evil of gambling and related social ills against the evil of poverty and its pernicious symptoms. Governments justify the existence of gambling institutions because it could provide jobs to its citizens and treat the income in the form of taxes to increase revenues. Moralists, on the other hand, justify their intransigence by citing their uncompromising stand on moral issues with unsubstantiated perceptions.
What should be given priority? Saving the impoverished populace who must be fed and cared for, or simply ignore their plight as long they remain morally upright? . . . alexguevarrareports888@gmail.com
By: Alex Guevarra – Freelance Gaming Investigative Writer
Last March 17, 2011, the Sangguniang Bayan of Municipality of Malay, Aklan, Philippines conducted a public hearing in connection with the application in Station 2, Boracay Island for a Resolution of No Objection on the proposed venue to host for a PAGCOR sanctioned ‘junket operations’ strictly for pre-registered “foreign players only”.
The Sangguniang Bayan members who conducted the hearing include the following: Councilor Rowen Aguire, Chairman, Committee on Laws & Ordinances; Councilor Jonathan Cabrera, Chairman, Committee on Good Government; Councilor Wilvec Gelito, Chairman, Committee on Games & Amusement; and, Councilor Jupiter Gallenero, Chairman, Committee on Public Order & Safety.
Significantly, the public hearing that was attended by representatives of the private sector and several members of the local print and broadcast media was the first time that a hearing was ever held in relation to the proposed establishment of a PAGCOR sanctioned Gaming Operations in Boracay Island.
Represented by the Atty. Alfredo L. Villamor, an incisive Gaming and Entertainment Lawyer, the proponents of the Junket Operations presented a dissertation addressing the concerns of the clergy regarding the opening of casinos in Boracay based on moral and social reasons.
The salient points of the dissertation also include compromise solutions that reconcile and resolve the colliding propositions of those who are in favor of legalized/regulated gambling due to economic reasons and against it due to social and moral grounds.
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO ESTABLISH CASINO IN BORACAY
Last January 25, 2011, the Municipal Council of Malay has issued a resolution expressing its conformity to the proposal of the Cariño Development Management Corp. (CDMC) to build a casino at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club that would be restricted to foreign passport holders, foreign tourists, Fairway Club members and the resort’s guests. But, as in previous occasions, this was vigorously opposed by the religious sector, particularly by FR. MAGLOIRE PLACER, Parish Priest, Boracay Island, Boracay, Malay, Aklan. With such strong opposition, the Municipal Council’s Resolution of No Objection to Casino Operations within the premises of Fairways and Blue Waters for which no prior hearing was conducted, was practically shelved by PAGCOR and have not warranted the opening of a full casino therein.
During the term of Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay also passed a resolution allowing PAGCOR to construct a casino at Club Panoly that was situated in Barangay Yapac, Boracay Island. It was maintained that the decision to allow PAGCOR to operate on Boracay was premised on the same reason that Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao and other local governments allowed the casinos to operate: economic reasons and providing an alternative entertainment to tourists flocking to Boracay.
But the casino never opened as Boracay parishioners led by Fr. Isauro Sau David, parish priest of Boracay, mounted opposition since October 2002, when they first learned of the plan to build a PAGCOR casino on the island. Father David was supported by Mr. Lowell Talamisan who was then the President of the Parish Pastoral Council, as well other leaders of the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) – the umbrella organization of more or less 200 hotel and resort owners – that conducted sustained prayer vigil in front of Club Panoly until PAGCOR buckled due to the pressure.
Indeed, the Catholic clergy and other community leaders stood firm on their conviction that the casino can result to addiction to gambling which could destroy families and businesses and worsen other social problems, including alcoholism, prostitution and illegal drugs.
CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WITH BORACAY NGOs AND PARISH PRIEST
In a meeting between Atty. Villamor and Mr. Talamisan last March 19, 2011 (Sat) at Sea Breeze, a beachfront restaurant owned and operated by Boracay Regency, it was impressed by the latter that his group will continue to oppose the establishment of any land-base gaming facility in Boracay regardless whether it is a full-casino or “junket operation” only.
On March 20, 2011 Atty Villamor attended the Sunday mass accompanied by Mr. Talamisan, and they subsequently sought audience before Fr. Placer in an attempt to enlighten him about the economic contributions of the proposed Junket Gaming in the island as well as the whole Municipality of Malay. However, the good Priest respectfully turned down the idea of putting any gaming operations in the Island. In a nutshell, Fr. Placer defined his position as consistent with the Catholic tenet that prohibits any form of gambling. Nevertheless, Fr. Placer expressed appreciation to Atty Villamor who exerted efforts to pay respect, and reach out and educate the Religious and civil society sectors in Boracay about the economic benefits of the proposed Junket Gaming Operations without involving the local players.
THE POSITION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON GAMBLING: APOSTOLIC BLESSING TO PAGCOR BY POPE BENEDICT XVI
In a dissertation, entitled “A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHURCH'S MORAL STANCE ON GAMBLING/JUETENG” that was published in the Website of the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, author Dave Gregory M. Antenor-Cruz asserted that “The Bible has nothing to say concerning gambling, as such. There is no explicit moral prohibition of gambling in the Scriptures.”
The author also cited the fact that in 1989, Jaime Cardinal Sin issued a Pastoral Statement entitled"On The Morality or Immorality of Gambling" wherein Cardinal Sin acknowledged that gambling in moderation could contribute to a person’s relaxation and well being. But, “the trouble with these gambling activities when led by greed, undue competition and compulsive behavior, what was supposed to be an honest entertainment becomes intemperate betting or gambling.”
Among the significant conclusions stated in the dissertation is that, “gambling with the intention of making profit to raise funds ranging from government expenditures to charitable causes is morally acceptable as long as institutions implement a morally responsible control.”
Perhaps, it is in the context of the foregoing that the humanitarian services of former Chairman Ephraim C. Genuino and PAGCOR merited the apostolic blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The unprecedented certification of Papal Blessing was published in the People Asia Magazine that also recognized Genuino as among the People of the Year Awardees for 2008.
APPLYING THE SOUTH KOREAN SOLUTION
As an investigative freelance journalist in the field of gaming, this writer who attended the public hearing as a gaming resource person and an observer representing Mr. Jerry Yap, the President of the National Press Club (NPC), noted that Junket Operator’s proposal to serve as venue host for a PAGCOR sanctioned “junket operation” is technically no different from a full casino except that the players are limited to foreign players only. PAGCOR has been operating this kind of gaming for a number of years already. Junket operations are held in casinos all over the country such as Clark, Subic, Tagaytay, Hotel Casinos in Manila, Davao, Cebu City and Fort Ilocandia. Under this system, PAGCOR would tie up with a Junket Operator who would have agents recruiting foreign players/gamblers from other countries. After compliance with the prerequisites of the Junket Operator, these recruited foreign players would be grouped together and scheduled to go to the Philippines in order to gamble at a predetermined venue authorized by PAGCOR. Only those who have been registered by the Junket Operator prior to the date of actual gaming shall be allowed to gamble. The operations are being bankrolled by the proponents at no cost to PAGCOR.
Atty. Villamor emphatically declared that there are innumerable measures that can be adopted in order to prevent local players from playing which may include the creation of a multi-sectoral council which would include, among others, a representative of the Church, with appropriate monitoring and regulatory powers.
In Korea, there is a law that absolutely prohibits Koreans from engaging in any form of gambling. But since the government is cognizant of the financial and economic benefits of maintaining casinos for tourists, it has put up a resort island known as Jeju Island where hotel-casinos are allowed to operate but exclusively to foreign players only. There are more at least 14 more Casinos operating in different places in Korea with the same set up and this system has been in operation for more or less twenty (20) years now and clearly, the system works. The system serves and accomplishes the purpose of gaining from the economic benefits of tourism-gambling with the locals being effectively insulated from the perceived evils thereof.
THE ASIAN GAMING PHENOMENON
The region's increasing wealth is funding a gambling boom that saw Macau overtake Las Vegas in casino revenue and triggered other Asian countries to establish their own gaming facilities.
While Macau remains by far the region's largest casino market with a record $23.5 billion gross winnings last year - about four times the revenue on the Las Vegas Strip, governments from Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka to Fiji are also eyeing gambling parlors as a way to help attract more tourist dollars.
In Singapore, where two casino complexes opened in 2010, revenue this year is seen hitting $6.5 billion, rivaling the current take in Las Vegas. Asia could overtake the United States to become the world's biggest legal casino gaming market by the end of next year, said Jonathan Galaviz, casino industry analyst and chief economist at US-based Galaviz and Co consultancy.
While Macau's many casinos concentrate on gambling, Singapore's formula of "integrated resorts" combines two casinos with other attractions. "Most governments in Asia would like to see their casino strategies actually be tourist growth strategies," Galaviz added.
Following the pronouncement of President Benigno Aquino III that “casinos should be established in tourist destination areas”, Cristino L. Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR said last year that the Philippines also hopes to see Singapore-style integrated resorts developed, to tap the Chinese market.
Indubitably, Boracay stands as the prime candidate being the top tourist destination. On the other hand, it may soon slide down to the lowest rank in the absence of gaming facilities therein. Indeed, the growth in casino gaming in Asia is not just isolated to China. It's an Asia-wide phenomenon.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF REGULATED GAMING AND PAYMENT FOR THE PHP 40 M LOANS FM DBP
As a mater of policy, PAGCOR ensures that the host local government unit gets a share from the latter’s revenues out of its operations in the locality. And, by agreement, the host local government unit may also share in the revenues of the junket operator. Most of the time, the funds earned by the local government unit are devoted to directly benefit its indigent constituents by way of social and livelihood projects.
Despite the well publicized opposition of the religious and private business sectors against the proposed casino operation in Boracay, numerous residents are expressing dismay over the phlegmatic pace of development and lack of social services in the island-resortcomposed of three (3) barangays – Balabac, Yapak and Manocmanoc. Of course, most does not realize that even as an average of 800,000 tourists flock to Boracay annually with combined tourists receipts of Php13.0 Billion (based on statistical data from the Department of Tourism), the Municipality of Malay only derives total revenue of 100 million from local taxes and permits/ licenses and a paltry sum of 45 million Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share.
Surely, this is insufficient to build community hospitals, livelihood training center, minor offenders rehabilitation center, technical vocational schools, water systems in the mainlands villages, better roads, public markets, slaughter house, cold storage, fishermans wharf, agricultural support facilities, funds for livelihood support programs, and other infrastructure projects to include the effective and sustainable environmental preservation.
Malay Councillor Jonathan Cabrera revealed that he is advocating the establishment of PAGCOR sanctioned gaming facilities in Boracay as he believes that securing more revenues for community development is the most important objective at the moment.
“Most of our budget goes to the maintenance and other operating expenses and personal services of the LGU and the Environmental Protection and Preservation expenditures like maintenance of the Material Recovery Facilities and that include the amortization for the Php40 million loanfrom the Development Bank of the Philippines to build the Malay Sanitary Land Fill Project,” Cabrera said as he explained that there is practically nothing left for other vital projects.
Cabrera averred that it is their mandate as local government officials to determine income generating measures and source out additional revenues and assistance from other agencies in order to address the needs of its inhabitants who has high expectations from the local government. “We were given a genuine mandate of our constituents to ensure their welfare, and that is what we are doing”, he added.
Aside from the economic considerations, Atty. Villamor also argued that there are effective means to maintain the image of Boracay as a wholesome, family oriented tourist destination known for its several kilometers of white-sand beachfront area with various water-sports and land-based activities even if a foreign-players-only casino is allowed in Boracay. In this context, it was proposed that this foreign-players-only casino shall not be allowed to operate at any beachfront establishment.
Moreover, it was prayed that the resolution to be issued by the Municipal Council will limit the operation to an experimental period for at least three (3) years and no similar resolution shall be issued by the Municipal Council during the experimental period.
PROLIFERATION OF UNDERGROUND GAMBLING IN BORACAY
However, Mr. Lito Motus, a retired American citizen living in Boracay who attended the hearing as a representative of the private sector stated during the hearing that he and numerous expatriates enjoying their twilight years in Boracay favor a full casino rather than foreign-only junket operations in as much they have money to spend on gambling.
Another indication that tourists and expatriates living in the island are actually craving for the establishment of gaming facilities in Boracay is the alleged proliferation of underground gambling joints that serve as venues for poker and other card games that yields no revenue for the local government.
Indeed, Boracay may be considered as among the most popular tourist destination in the world, but competition is slowly creeping in such that unless new and innovative tourist attractions are adopted to enhance its appeal and attractiveness, it might eventually be left behind.
On this note, Mayor John Yap and majority of the Sangguniang Bayan members remains optimistic that PAGCOR regulated gaming operations in Boracay – whether “full casino or junket operations (foreign players only)” - shall soon emerge so as to enable the community to already enjoy the anticipated economic benefits without compromising its social and moral values.
INFLATED COST OF LIVING IN BORACAY: THE PRICE THEY HAVE TO PAY
With the exception of the few landed families and wealthy business owners, most of the more or less 30,000 residents are suffering from the inflated cost of living in Boracay Island. Indeed, theprices of basic commodities are already jacked up due to the added cost of transporting the goods from mainland Aklan but with the continuous influx of tens of thousands of tourists descending to Boracay, the prices of food and other essential items are inflated beyond the means of the locals.
Councilor Cabrera disclosed that majority of the local populace are no longer capable of buying prime meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and other food stuffs that were largely allocated to restaurants, hotels and resorts catering to tourists. Hence, the ordinary Boracay residents are left with scraps and rejects. The alarming situation is that most of the Malay residents are actually living below the poverty line, and the local government cannot do anything about it due to lack of funds for basic social services. This is one of the adverse effects of the booming tourism industry that has never been addressed.
Boracay has already gained world-wide recognition as among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Yet, it is clearly evident that the economic windfall is being reaped by a privileged few resulting to the marginalization of a vast numbers of local residents.
WHAT MAKES BORACAY DIFFERENT?
At present, there are already 27 Casinos and Slot Machine Arcades (PAGCOR VIP Clubs) operating in the Philippines. There are at least 5 more currently in various stages of development. As expected, there had been opposition from the religious sector in the respective areas where the gaming operations emerged but not as vigorous and sustained as in Boracay.
This writer believes that the alleged powerful lobby group opposing the establishment of PAGCOR sanctioned casino operations in Boracay will continue to block efforts to change the status quo in as much as they are presently enjoying brisk business from the influx of local and foreign tourists despite the lack of legitimate gaming facilities. And this lobby group can actually muster a motley group of noisy protesters over a long period of time in as much as Boracay is relatively small compared to other cities where gaming proponents managed to build and operate casinos.
It is not actually a question of insulating the local populace from the emergence of social evils such as addiction to gambling, proliferation of illegal drugs, rampant prostitution and other vices that are already pre-existent but a question of preserving their economic advantage and status. With majority of the residents working in various establishments catering to tourists, and eking out a living in impoverished conditions, they are not financially capable of indulging in such vices. Yet, it was gathered that they have to participate in protest actions against the establishment of casinos in Boracay as they are allegedly directed by their employers.
In any case, the political will of the incumbent local executive officials acting in unison with PAGCOR would serve as a crucial factor in determining the fate of the proposed gaming operations. With the dismal, rural conditions of the infra-structures and the lack of basic social services in the island, it is imperative that the local government must exercise its mandate to generate the much needed revenues.
WHAT MUST BE DONE? Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center (CRCC) as the ideal place for “junket operations”.
In order to come up with empirical data that could either validate the arguments of those advocating the establishment of gaming facilities in Boracay or affirm the contentions of those opposing it, Cabrera and Villamor maintained that it is imperative to allow a PAGCOR sanctioned ‘junket operation” limited to an experimental period for at least three (3) years.
This alternative solution was actually proposed as an integral part of the amended application ofCrown Regency Resort and Convention Center (CRCC) that has been singled out by agroup of Korean gaming investors as the ideal place for their “pre-registered foreign players only or junket operations”. Strategically situated in a more that 4 hectares property along the main road of Station 2, the Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center with 480 elegant units, 1,800 guest conference center, a water world theme park featuring a giant aquarium and wave pool and other amenities qualifying it as an integrated Significantly, the gaming company based in South Koreas is one of the biggest Junket Casino Operators in the Philippines with extensive operations in the Philippines, Macau and Korea catering mostly to Japanese, Chinese and Korean gaming tourists.
Aside from the proposed “pre-registered foreign players only or junket operations” at CRCC, PAGCOR and the Municipal Council of Malay may also consider the operation of an “off-shore” or “floating gaming venue” (cruise ship casino concept) that would strictly cater to tourists and foreign passport holders who shall pay ‘access fees’ for the privilege to enter the gaming venue. A fully lighted “floating gaming venue” cruising around the island, may serve as an additional attraction with a nightly spectacle of fire-works display for the enjoyment of more tourists and visitors.
Another alternative solution is a land-based “junket operation” outside Boracay but within a secluded area of Malay. Like the “off-shore” or “floating gaming venue”, this will be restricted to tourists and foreign passport holders who shall be required to pay ‘access fees’.
Of course, a Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Committee composed of representatives from the religious and private sector as well as other stakeholders based in Boracay shall be activated to ensure that there would be adverse socio-economic effects to the local populace as well as to the existing business entities in the island. The same Committee shall be in charge of collecting the access fees, and in the disbursement thereof. Additionally, the Committee may demand specific projects from PAGCOR and/or the ‘junket operator” that addresses priority needs of the local populace.
All the foregoing alternatives could generate a substantial amount that could be earmarked to community projects and programs to ameliorate the living conditions of the majority of the local populace.
Yet, the foregoing proposals should be threshed out in a proper forum jointly conducted by PAGCOR and the Malay Municipal Government with the participation all stakeholders, to include the Barangay Chairpersons of concerned barangays.
THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS: SOLVING POVERTY
In simple terms, the situation in Boracay can be likened to a choice between two evils – the evil of gambling and related social ills against the evil of poverty and its pernicious symptoms. Governments justify the existence of gambling institutions because it could provide jobs to its citizens and treat the income in the form of taxes to increase revenues. Moralists, on the other hand, justify their intransigence by citing their uncompromising stand on moral issues with unsubstantiated perceptions.
What should be given priority? Saving the impoverished populace who must be fed and cared for, or simply ignore their plight as long they remain morally upright? . . . alexguevarrareports888@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Malay council urges resort owners to adhere to approved limit in construction
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan— The Malay council has again reminded resort owners in this resort island to follow the mandated height limitation in the construction of buildings, which is only up to 14 meters or equivalent to a three-story building.
Malay Councilor Rowen Aguirre said that they still continue to receive reports that several resorts are not complying with the standard set which may lead them to take legal action. Legal action only means charging the erring resort for the prescribed penalties.
"The 14-meter height has been set in order to ensure the safety of tourists in case of an earthquake. This is one of our safety precautions to protect our tourists from getting injured in case a fire or an earthquake broke out. I hope all resort owners would cooperate," Aguirre said.
In its study, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that six-storey buildings can still be built in this resort island. The local council however maintained that the height of the building should only be limited to three stories or 14 meters.
Recently, the council reprimanded the municipal engineer after receiving a report that the Ambassador Hotel failed to comply with the needed building requirements set in their occupancy permit. More hotels are also doing similar violations in this resort island.
For several years, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported that Boracay is along the Tablas Quake Fault in nearby Romblon province. The PHIVOLCS however maintained that it is almost impossible that a tsunami might occur here because of its cove like shaped.
As an offshoot of violation reports the council plans to activate a monitoring team to ensure that a resort abide by the 14-meter height of buildings.
Malay Councilor Rowen Aguirre said that they still continue to receive reports that several resorts are not complying with the standard set which may lead them to take legal action. Legal action only means charging the erring resort for the prescribed penalties.
"The 14-meter height has been set in order to ensure the safety of tourists in case of an earthquake. This is one of our safety precautions to protect our tourists from getting injured in case a fire or an earthquake broke out. I hope all resort owners would cooperate," Aguirre said.
In its study, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that six-storey buildings can still be built in this resort island. The local council however maintained that the height of the building should only be limited to three stories or 14 meters.
Recently, the council reprimanded the municipal engineer after receiving a report that the Ambassador Hotel failed to comply with the needed building requirements set in their occupancy permit. More hotels are also doing similar violations in this resort island.
For several years, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported that Boracay is along the Tablas Quake Fault in nearby Romblon province. The PHIVOLCS however maintained that it is almost impossible that a tsunami might occur here because of its cove like shaped.
As an offshoot of violation reports the council plans to activate a monitoring team to ensure that a resort abide by the 14-meter height of buildings.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Theme park soon to rise in Boracay
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan— A 300-square meter theme park is expected to be one of the attractions anticipated in this resort island.
A business magnate from Cebu City, Richard King, who is also the chairman of the board of the Crown Regency Hotel and Resort, said they are just finishing some of their constructions at the resort before they could place the planned theme park.
"The theme park will showcase sharks, stingrays and other interesting sea creatures, surf pool, kiddie interactive, adventure parks and a proposed aviary with a mini zoo," said King in his letter for the request of endorsement at the office of the local council.
King's Crown Regency Hotel and Resort has at least four resorts in Boracay Island separated from one another.
King started his chain of hotels in the country in Cebu City.
Monday, March 21, 2011
More casino proponents for Boracay file applications
BORACAY ISLAND- More resorts in this resort island have submitted their intent of operating a casino in this resort island.
In January of this year, the Malay Council had endorsed the proposed operation of the Fairways and Country Club here. The Fairways however has yet to get accreditation papers from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
"The Fairways is proposing to operate the casino by means of club membership. The Malay council is interested to pursue casino operation in Boracay because it wanted to help the indigents of Malay to uplift their lives through revenues generated from the gaming facility," said Malay councilor Welbec Gelito, chairman on committee on games and amusement.
In Thursday's committee hearing in Malay council, the Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, along with the La Carmela Resort, has separately filed notices of intent in operating a casino operation in Boracay. Paradise Resort also is reportedly planning to file intent in running a casino.
Lawyer Freddie Villamor, who represented the Crown Regency Resort, said they are proposing to the council the experimentation of the so-called casino junket operation in Boracay.
"The casino junket operation is only for foreign-passport holders and should pre-booked themselves from their country of origin before they will be scheduled to play casino in our resort," said Villamor.
The Malay council is currently studying the proposal of Crown Regency.
Boracay Island is considered a special case for casino gaming in the country. The Pagcor however is reportedly very strict in terms of giving accreditation for potential casino operators in Boracay.
At least 27 areas in the country are having their own casino operation.
In January of this year, the Malay Council had endorsed the proposed operation of the Fairways and Country Club here. The Fairways however has yet to get accreditation papers from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
"The Fairways is proposing to operate the casino by means of club membership. The Malay council is interested to pursue casino operation in Boracay because it wanted to help the indigents of Malay to uplift their lives through revenues generated from the gaming facility," said Malay councilor Welbec Gelito, chairman on committee on games and amusement.
In Thursday's committee hearing in Malay council, the Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, along with the La Carmela Resort, has separately filed notices of intent in operating a casino operation in Boracay. Paradise Resort also is reportedly planning to file intent in running a casino.
Lawyer Freddie Villamor, who represented the Crown Regency Resort, said they are proposing to the council the experimentation of the so-called casino junket operation in Boracay.
"The casino junket operation is only for foreign-passport holders and should pre-booked themselves from their country of origin before they will be scheduled to play casino in our resort," said Villamor.
The Malay council is currently studying the proposal of Crown Regency.
Boracay Island is considered a special case for casino gaming in the country. The Pagcor however is reportedly very strict in terms of giving accreditation for potential casino operators in Boracay.
At least 27 areas in the country are having their own casino operation.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Aklan PNP to establish task force summer vacation in Boracay
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan- The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) is setting up Task Force: Summer Vacation to ensure the safety of tourists who will spend summer in this resort island.
Supt. Samuel Nacion, deputy provincial director for administration, said that the task force will likewise monitor presence of illegal drugs here.
Aside from the police, concerned government offices such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other agencies are also setting up their respective contingency measures to ensure the security in this resort island in place.
The summer season has been dubbed as peak season in Boracay with highest arrivals during the Lenten season, according to a report from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
"Right now we have 58 police personnel in Boracay the ideal is 120. However, the APPO is ready to augment police personnel as the need arises," said Nacion.
Aside from the APPO, the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas in Iloilo has also committed to send in more police troops when necessary.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Boracay businesses complain of blowfly infestation
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan- Business establishments in this resort island are complaining of the blowfly infestation which they said is a threat to the health of tourists apart from being an eyesore.
In his letter addressed to the Barangay Yapak Council, Mark Kirk General Manager of the Shangri-La's Boracay said that they experienced the siege of the blowfly since November 2010. They offered help to solve the issue.
"The source of the blowfly is the decaying and exposed organic waste at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) nearby," said Kirk.
The Shangri-La management has committed to help ensure proper segregation of wastes generated by the hotel, bi-weekly treatments of the MRF and garbage collection trucks.
Cely Recampo, assistant manager for internal operations of the Zoe Mei Resort also complained of similar problems.
Meantime, Yapak barangay captain Hector Casidsid has also vowed to settle the issue.
"My administration assure to do the proper and most efficient way of segregation as well as cleaning the entire community for the sake of my constituents," he said.
Barangay Yapak is experiencing difficulty in putting the MRF in order due to the heavy influx of wastes being dumped into the said facility.
In his letter addressed to the Barangay Yapak Council, Mark Kirk General Manager of the Shangri-La's Boracay said that they experienced the siege of the blowfly since November 2010. They offered help to solve the issue.
"The source of the blowfly is the decaying and exposed organic waste at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) nearby," said Kirk.
The Shangri-La management has committed to help ensure proper segregation of wastes generated by the hotel, bi-weekly treatments of the MRF and garbage collection trucks.
Cely Recampo, assistant manager for internal operations of the Zoe Mei Resort also complained of similar problems.
Meantime, Yapak barangay captain Hector Casidsid has also vowed to settle the issue.
"My administration assure to do the proper and most efficient way of segregation as well as cleaning the entire community for the sake of my constituents," he said.
Barangay Yapak is experiencing difficulty in putting the MRF in order due to the heavy influx of wastes being dumped into the said facility.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Operations at Jetty Port now back to normal after tsunami alert
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan- The operation at the Caticlan-Cagban Jetty Port here has returned to normal after it was suspended Friday last week due to a tsunami alert following the earthquake and tsunami incidents in Japan.
Niven Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said the operation was suspended in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
"Although Boracay was not included in the tsunami threat, we would like to maintain order for Boracay tourists and residents to ensure their safety. We would like to call on residents to continue being vigilant during these times," said Maquirang.
Niven Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said the operation was suspended in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
"Although Boracay was not included in the tsunami threat, we would like to maintain order for Boracay tourists and residents to ensure their safety. We would like to call on residents to continue being vigilant during these times," said Maquirang.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Statement on PAGCOR/CASINO entry in Boracay Island
By Councilor Jonathan Cabrera
We, as Local Government is mandated to deliver basic services and think of measures that will preserve and protect the general welfare of our constituents.
In reality, the budget of our LGU (185M for 2011) is only enough for the operation of the Municipality on personal services, capital outlay, maintenance and other operating expenses. Pero marami pang dapat paglaanan ng pundo to ensure the full delivery of basic social services to our constituents like: livelihood, medical, infra, equipments, etc.
Para mangyari to, kailangan naming mag isip ng mga pamamaraan para makalikom ng mas maraming local revenue at makipag ugnayan sa ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan who are potential in extending supports, aids and assistance for our community.
In Boracay, it’s the fact that gambling involving tourists is happening. Halimbawa may mga turista na nagcheck in sa isang hotel, nabagot na sa kaiikot sa isla kaya nagkasundo na maglaro sa loob ng kwarto. Nangyari ang gambling pero ang malungkot wala tayong kinita. It’s a loss of potential revenue.
We are persistent that PAGCOR should come to Boracay island. To regulate and curb the illegal gamblings here and at the same time extend their charity and community programs to our constituents. Maliban pa sa share na mapupunta sa LGU na ibibigay ng pagcor.
We are also fully cognizant of the fact that while Boracay remains to be a primary tourist destination, there are already other local and regional tourists destinations that likewise attract foreign tourists; hence, we believe that there is a need to encourage new activities and attractions in Boracay like legal forms of leisure and entertainment to enhance its appeal and attractiveness to foreign tourists and pull in tourist dollars, curb illegal gambling operations in Boracay and keep it ahead of its competition by allowing innovative measures such as “FOREIGN-PLAYERS-ONLY” Gaming Operations;
On the other hand, we are likewise cognizant of the sentiments of certain sectors in our community against the moral and social ills of gambling on the local community; hence, in order to address these concerns a committee hearing is set on March 17 at the SB session hall with PAGCOR representatives, church, business sector, and other interested parties.
We hope to agree on the following conditions that will be a win-win solution to all of us:
a. PAGCOR rules and regulations pertaining to Junket Operations shall be strictly observed;
b. A multi-sectoral monitoring body shall be constituted to see to it that rules and regulations are at all times observed and followed;
c. Whoever shall be the business partner of Pagcor in operating said gaming operations shall be involved in socio-civic activites this is apart from what the Municipality of Malay will receive as benefits from Pagcor under the law;
d. It is understood that such operations shall be experimental and that the number of areas where such operations shall be conducted should be limited according to viability and size of the market. The unregulated proliferation of gaming sites even if limited only to foreign players should not be allowed in order to maintain the image of Boracay as a wholesome tourist destination;
e. Pagcor is willing to adopt new measures and safeguards that may be suggested by the monitoring body from to time to time;
(Note: Hon. Jonathan Cabrera is the chairman of the committee on Good Government and a member of the committee on Tourism, games and amusement.)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Malay council mulls terminals for tricycles in Boracay
BORACAY ISLAND, Malay Aklan- The Malay municipal council is studying the possibility of designating a terminal for tricycles plying in this resort island.
Currently, the council faces difficulty in finding a location since most of the vacant lot in this resort island was owned by the state being represented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
To recall the Supreme Court had ruled out that Boracay Island is an agriculture reserved zone and all the parcels of land thereof are being owned by the state.
Because of this, the Malay council plans to have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DENR to provide them a location as terminals for tricycles, which are the common medium of transport in Boracay.
Another option, the Malay council considers is to have an agreement among the existing land users.
In the absence of terminals, drivers park their tricycles anywhere in Boracay that causes an eye sore for tourists.
Apart from easing up of the traffic situation, the council believed that tariff rates can already be properly implemented if they there is a terminal.
Currently, the council faces difficulty in finding a location since most of the vacant lot in this resort island was owned by the state being represented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
To recall the Supreme Court had ruled out that Boracay Island is an agriculture reserved zone and all the parcels of land thereof are being owned by the state.
Because of this, the Malay council plans to have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DENR to provide them a location as terminals for tricycles, which are the common medium of transport in Boracay.
Another option, the Malay council considers is to have an agreement among the existing land users.
In the absence of terminals, drivers park their tricycles anywhere in Boracay that causes an eye sore for tourists.
Apart from easing up of the traffic situation, the council believed that tariff rates can already be properly implemented if they there is a terminal.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Querol urges SWAT: Maintain Boracay peace and order
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, police regional director for Western Visayas, urged the newly-activated Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the province to give emphasis in maintaining peace and order, particularly in the Boracay resort island.
The police official was at the Aklan Provincial Police Office in Camp Pastor in Kalibo for the recently held graduation ceremony of the 24 newly-trained SWAT members.
Querol said he would like the focus to the entry of illegal drugs in the resort island because of the police intelligence report he received.
According to the intelligence report, illegal drugs will be flooded to the resort island in summer.
Querol said that although the police in the past have also been vigilant in monitoring the illegal drugs in Boracay, there are still some isolated cases of prohibited drug activities.
Because of the said intelligence report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will conduct illegal drugs awareness campaign in the province on April 1.
While in Aklan, Querol also graced the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPAT) trainors' training.
The police official was at the Aklan Provincial Police Office in Camp Pastor in Kalibo for the recently held graduation ceremony of the 24 newly-trained SWAT members.
Querol said he would like the focus to the entry of illegal drugs in the resort island because of the police intelligence report he received.
According to the intelligence report, illegal drugs will be flooded to the resort island in summer.
Querol said that although the police in the past have also been vigilant in monitoring the illegal drugs in Boracay, there are still some isolated cases of prohibited drug activities.
Because of the said intelligence report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will conduct illegal drugs awareness campaign in the province on April 1.
While in Aklan, Querol also graced the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPAT) trainors' training.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
SB: No more using of ‘Bora’
BORACAY — The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay urged people organizing events in this resort island not to use “Bora” in their themes.
If they do so, their event will not be permitted to push through, the SB said.
The SB recently passed a resolution seeking for the use of “Boracay” instead of “Bora” in the themes of events being conducted here.
More than a year ago, a group of stakeholders in this resort island started out a campaign against the tourists’ use of “Bora” in their slogans and publicity materials.
They said such practice implicates confusion, arguing that there is a place called “Bora Bora” in the Pacific.
It has been believed that “Bora” was used by young tourists attending beach parties here to refer to this resort island.
The SB said they will strengthen the resolution with a follow-up ordinance.
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