Church leaders speak out vs casino hub in Boracay

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Bishops from the province of Capiz have expressed solidarity with the Diocese of Kalibo in raising concerns over the opening and operation of a casino in Boracay, urging government officials and business leaders to consider its potential effects on families and vulnerable communities.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Capiz Archbishop Victor Bendico, Kalibo Bishop Cyril Villareal and Romblon Bishop Narciso Abellana said the concerns raised by the Diocese of Kalibo deserved serious attention.

“As pastors of neighboring local Churches, we share its concern for the consequences that the spread of gambling may have upon our people, particularly upon families and those who are poor and vulnerable,” the bishops said.

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The statement followed Villareal’s Oct. 5 pastoral statement reiterating the Diocese of Kalibo’s “consistent and firm opposition to gambling” and expressing concern over the opening of a casino in Boracay.

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READ: Diocese of Kalibo raises concerns over opening of Boracay casino

The bishops said their concern was pastoral and focused on the welfare of people and families, noting that gambling could contribute to financial distress, family conflicts and other social problems.

“Development is good when it provides dignified livelihoods, strengthens communities, and allows people to build a better future through honest work,” the bishops said.

They added: “It loses its proper direction when economic gain is pursued without sufficient regard for its human and social cost.”

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READ: Kaban Hotel and Casino opens new Boracay hub

The church leaders also warned of possible problems associated with gambling, including prostitution, human exploitation, theft, other crimes and illegal drug abuse.

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“These risks must not be overlooked in the pursuit of economic gain,” the prelates said.

The bishops urged public officials, business leaders and other stakeholders to consider the broader social implications of decisions affecting Boracay.

“We therefore add our voice to that of the Bishop of Kalibo and ask our public officials, business leaders, and all who bear responsibility for the future of Boracay to listen carefully to the concerns raised by the local Church,” they said.

“Decisions affecting a community should be judged not only by the income they may generate, but also by the kind of life and society they help to form,” they added.

The statements came after the opening of Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay, the island’s first hotel-casino. The six-story property opened on Sept. 16 at Station 0 in Barangay Yapak, Malay, Aklan, with 88 rooms and a 2,000-square-meter casino licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Its grand launch is scheduled for Oct. 11.

Villareal said the Diocese of Kalibo’s position was not directed against any person, business or worker but was rooted in its responsibility to uphold human dignity, family welfare and the common good.

“Economic development is important, but development must always remain at the service of the human person,” Villareal said.

He added: “Profit cannot be the sole measure of progress.”

Financial distress, debt

The Kalibo diocese also said gambling could lead to financial distress and debt, diverting money intended for food, education, medicine, household expenses and savings.

“We must therefore look beyond the economic benefits that a casino may bring,” Villareal said.

“What happens when a family’s savings are lost to gambling? What happens when money meant for food, education, or medicine is gambled away? What happens when a parent becomes enslaved by the hope of winning back what has already been lost?” he asked.

The bishops said the concerns raised by the Diocese of Kalibo should be viewed as an appeal to conscience and care for others, rather than an attack on anyone.

“The Diocese of Kalibo does not stand alone in making this appeal,” the bishops said. “As brother bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Capiz, we stand with Bishop Villareal and his people.”

They also noted that Boracay’s development should not be measured solely by investment, tourism and revenue.

“Boracay is a precious gift entrusted to us,” the Diocese of Kalibo said. “Its beauty, its culture, its hospitality, and its natural gifts are already treasures that can support a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry.”

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The bishops concluded by urging stakeholders to consider what kind of community they want to build and to prioritize the welfare and dignity of residents. /cb