By Pearl Gumapos
President Rodrigo Duterte has given his go signal, allowing a casino in Boracay to resume operations on Saturday (Aug. 28).
“The President has given his go signal allowing the operation of a casino in Boracay. Prior to this directive, casino establishments have not been operating on the island,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement released on Saturday.
“Patawarin na po ninyo ako for the contradiction. Ngayon po, wala tayong pera. Kung saan man tayo makakuha ng pera, kukunin ko. Kung diyan sa gambling, so be it,” the President said during his public address on Thursday (Aug. 26).
However, Roque also reminded that casinos should still follow restrictions. This includes the observance of safety and health protocols imposed given the current COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that children and/or minors are kept away from gambling activities.
“This latest presidential pronouncement is part of the revenue-generating efforts of the government to augment funds for COVID-19 response,” Roque said. – bny
