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CAGAYAN de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. president Ruben Vegafria clarified Monday that he supports the establishment of casinos in the city, but that he is not campaigning for it.
Vegafria said he does not own stakes in any gambling ventures, neither is he affiliated with state-owned gambling apparatus.
He said that he made the explanation to correct possible misconceptions in a recent radio interview where he was quoted as saying that casinos would help attract foreign tourists and improve business climate.
"Yes I said I support the establishment of casinos here and it was a personal comment coming from a businessman's point of view. My support doesn't mean I want to confront the views of any sector nor I am lobbying for any gambling interest," Vegafria explained.
Although a highly-urbanized city, Cagayan de Oro does not have yet casino operations on major hotels -- mostly because of the strong opposition from the local diocese of the Catholic Church. There are however, sweepstakes and lottery stations found in most of the city's busy avenues.
Local Archdiocese spokesman Monsignor Rey Monsanto said the entry of gambling houses will only sow more crimes and will distort the morality of the local populace.
But the Church's moral concerns need not deter the operations of casinos here since rules can be laid to restrict the entrance of the general public on gambling sites, Vegafria said.
"For example, we can limit the casinos to foreign tourists and upper class sectors in our society only. Or have casinos require passports and a sort of show money before anybody could enter its premises," he suggested. "Or we can restrict the establishment of casinos outside the downtown so that only those who really can afford and interested can be admitted."
The Oro Chamber president also underscored the importance of casino operations in the city, saying this will attract more foreign tourists, invigorate the services sectors and create more local jobs.
"When you have amusement and gaming centers, ancillary services to these type of establishments such as restaurants or resto bars will benefit from it," he said.
But several attempts to put-up a casino and slot machines in certain upscale hotels last year fizzled-out after the local diocese threatened to stage protest rallies if the City Government issue business permits.
Even the online betting stations proposed by the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) early this year was scrapped after facing a vigorous opposition from the religious sector.
Recently installed Cagayan Archbishop Monsignor Antonio Ledesma earlier voiced his opposition to the establishment of the casino in Cagayan de Oro.
Known for being vocal on social issues, Ledesma said it is the "moral obligation" of the Church to make its stand on issues affecting the country and the community due to its commitment to social justice. |
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