Philippine House leader questions Galaxy Ent license

The House Minority Leader suggested that Pagcor could build a casino on Boracay Island.

Philippines.- House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez suggested on Wednesday that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) could be the one building a casino on Boracay Island, instead of a foreign entity like Galaxy Entertainment Group. PAGCOR signed the provisional licence for the casino resort yesterday.

During the press briefing, Suarez said that as the construction of the integrated resort might only cost US$500 million, PAGCOR should do the project. He also said that the return of capital for gaming establishments only takes five to six years. “Why give it to the foreigners, why don’t you do it yourself?” he said, adding that he’s in favour of building a casino on the island if it enhances employment.

The Minority Leader said that if PAGCOR would allow the casino to operate, then the government should also profit from the facility. Nevertheless, PAGCOR signed the provisional licence on Wednesday.

Galaxy Ent had acquired a 23-hectare slot in Boracay for the casino-hotel project. Boracay has welcomed more than two million domestic and international tourists in 2017. Philippines’ tourism, interior and environment ministers last week recommended the shut-down of Boracay for a massive clean-up, therefore it is expected that the construction of the resort will take longer than planned. Domingo said that President Rodrigo Duterte met with Galaxy executives and asked them to protect the environment and shun corruption. “These things, they assured the President, they will guard the environment,” Domingo said.