Church opposes casino in Poro Point

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Catholic church in La Union headed by Bishop Artemio Rillera issued a manifesto on Sunday declaring their opposition to the establishment of a casino in Poro Point as it will "cause destruction of family values."

The manifesto, which is still being circulated yesterday in various parishes in La Union, was crafted by the bishop, priests, religious men and women and concerned lay faithful to condemn the move of the local officials in La Union for endorsing the establishment of casino without consulting church leaders.

"As a church, we declare our opposition to the establishment and operation of a casino in Poro Point. We commend the local officials for the progress they have achieved in this province. We, however, believe that approving the operation of a hotel resort with casino is not necessary at all. Progress can be achieved even without it. We are against the promotion of economic sufficiency if only through gambling," the manifesto reads in part.

Rillera aired his disappointment to The STAR over the local government’s failure to invite church representatives to the public consultation held last July on the proposed resolution endorsing the International Thunderbird Gaming Corporation (ITGC) to operate a casino at the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone (PPSEFZ).

A separate resolution endorsing the ITGC to operate a casino was also approved recently by the provincial board of La Union.

However, Rillera said that in a dialogue with concerned officials of La Union, it appears that the approval of the casino project came from the national government through the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. and the Bases Conversion Development Authority.