Bishops against gambling in Boracay

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  • CHERYL G. CRUZ

Bishops Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod, Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, and Louie Galbines of Kabankalan joined the mounting calls against the planned operation of a casino in Boracay Island.

In the collegial statement of Western Visayas and Romblon bishops and diocesan administrator dated Oct. 4, they said that having the gambling casinos in Boracay will not only divert and distract visitors from the true beauty and value of this most cherished island but will also pave the way for destructive lifestyles and habits that will significantly alter and destroy the treasured values, culture and life of the community.

“How many individuals and families have been destroyed because of gambling? Gambling problems can have a significant impact and harm on families, friends, workplaces and communities,” they said.

Families where a parent gambles compulsively are more likely to experience domestic violence, including child abuse. Over 80 percent of problem gamblers were at risk for alcohol or drug use/dependency and one-half of compulsive gamblers commit crimes.

“We don’t want to encourage gambling to prevent these problems to happen,” added the statement also signed by Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, bishops Marvyn Maceda of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique, Jose Corazon Talaoc of Kalibo, and Narciso Abellana of Romblon, and Msgr. Cyril Villareal of the Archdiocese of Capiz, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said.

“While we understand the urgent need of government to raise revenue, especially during this pandemic, the harm and risk factors far outweigh the expected benefits if we conduct the social impact assessment of opening gambling casinos in Boracay,” it added.

Boracay is already a paradise: a family destination, a venue for educational advancement and entrepreneurship, a wider avenue for employment, a good source of livelihood for the people and revenues for the government.

          “We appreciate the efforts of our government in restoring the natural, God-given wonders of Boracay Island that make it famous here and abroad. We appeal to our public servants to hear our people’s plea to keep Boracay clean, safe, child and family-friendly island to visit and to spend precious quality time with our loved ones,” the bishops added./CGC