THE plan of a Macau-based casino operator and its local partner to build a $500-million casino-resort in Boracay will proceed despite an impending total closure of the island for up to one year to clean it up, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said Friday.
“Yes, we are signing the contract for their provisional license before the end of the month,” Pagcor chairman Andrea Domingo told GMA News.
She made her statement even as Malacañang on Friday said it was considering the welfare of the workers and small businesses in Boracay before closing down the world-famous beach resort to clean it up.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte recognized the impact of Boracay’s closure to those who would be affected by it.
Meanwhile, Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday asked on the government to shut down and file charges against the 300 establishments violating the building code and environmental laws in Boracay but objected to the island’s complete closure.
He said those establishments should be ordered to improve their waste disposal systems within 30 days.
“Implement a 90-day phasing of the improvement of critical infrastructure such us drainage systems and solid waste management,” Gatchalian said.
He also proposed the formulation of a long-term sustainable master plan that everyone on the island should follow.
Macau gambling operator Galaxy Entertainment Group says it is moving forward with plans to build a $500-million casino resort on Boracay despite Duterte’s threats to close the popular tourist hub.
Plans for the new casino project on the small island, known to be particularly popular with international tourists due to its white sand beaches and nighttime entertainment options, were first revealed by Galaxy in December 2017. Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta
Galaxy and Pagcor have confirmed that they will go forward with the plan.
Alfredo Lim, president of Pagcor, told Reuters they believed the project would improve the Philippines’ tourism product event further.
The casino resort would be intended for high-rollers from the Asia-Pacific region. Targeting wealthy casino patrons, Galaxy and its local partner hope to also draw the attention of junket operators that would organize the trips to their resort.