Christian groups issue position papers against new Opol casino
The Iglesia Filipina Independiente and the Cagayan de Oro Network of Archdiocesan Schools have issued separate position papers calling on authorities to shut down the Grand Imperial Casino.
The Philippines.- Opponents to the new PAGCOR casino venue, the Grand Imperial in Opol, have issued position paper calling for the venue temporary shut down to be made permanent. The IFI Diocese of Libertad and the Cagayan de Oro Network of Archdiocesan Schools (CONAS) have issued separate papers calling for the Misamis Oriental provincial board to continue investigating the casino venue.
A week ago, authorities found Grand Imperial Casino had been operating without a business permit since it opened in December. The PAGCOR Casino has temporarily closed due to Covid-19 countermeasures but expects to resume operations next month.
The CONAS position paper states: “While it is true that gambling is a form of entertainment, it can be a potential avenue for abuse. It might begin as a form of entertainment or amusement only for personal pleasure only but eventually seduce the person into addiction.”
The IFI paper reads: “We, in the IFI, strongly stands on the ground to oppose any gambling activities that exist in the society. We, in the IFI, does not encourage our members to play in any ‘game of chance’.”
It adds: “We believe that this casino would disturb the peace and order of our society. We are therefore calling our Local Government Unit in the Municipality of Opol to take seriously on the negative impact that this casino could bring in our midst.”
The leaders of the two religious groups have said they would start a signature campaign against the casino.
