Three bishops say Boracay does not need a casino

ILOILO CITY — Capiz Archbishop Victor Bendico and Romblon Bishop Narciso Abellana on Wednesday backed Kalibo Bishop Cyril Villareal in opposing the opening of a casino on Boracay Island.

Bendico, Abellana, and Villareal signed a joint statement dated Oct. 7 and posted it on the Kalibo diocese’s Facebook page on Thursday.

The three lead the Ecclesiastical Province of Capiz, which comprises the Archdiocese of Capiz and the dioceses of Kalibo and Romblon.

The three Catholic leaders said they shared concerns over the casino’s opening and operation, noting that the consequences of gambling could extend beyond financial concerns, particularly affecting families, the poor, and the vulnerable.

“Development is good when it provides dignified livelihoods, strengthens communities, and allows people to build a better future through honest work,” they said.

“It loses its proper direction when economic gain is pursued without sufficient regard for its human and social cost,” they added.

The bishops also warned that gambling may be accompanied by wider social problems, including prostitution, human exploitation, theft, other crimes, and illegal drug abuse.

Their statement followed Villareal’s Oct. 5 pastoral statement, which reiterated the Diocese of Kalibo’s “consistent and firm opposition to gambling” and its concern over the casino’s opening and operation.

Villareal said the diocese’s position was not directed against any person, business, or worker but was part of its responsibility to uphold human dignity, family welfare, and the common good.

The bishop said Boracay’s development should be measured not only through economic activity and revenues but also through its effects on human life, family relationships, vulnerable people, and the social fabric of communities.

“We must therefore look beyond the economic benefits that a casino may bring,” Villareal said.

He also asked the Aklan provincial government, the Malay municipal government, and other concerned authorities to prioritize people’s welfare in decisions on economic development.

“Economic development is important, but development must always remain at the service of the human person. Profit cannot be the sole measure of progress,” Villareal said.

The Kalibo diocese said gambling can cause financial distress and debt, and divert money intended for food, education, medicine, household expenses, and savings.

It also warned that gambling can contribute to conflicts between spouses, broken relationships, and child neglect.

The three bishops urged church and government leaders to heed the concerns of the Diocese of Kalibo in deciding Boracay’s future.

“Decisions affecting a community should be judged not only by the income they may generate, but also by the kind of life and society they help to form,” they said.

“Boracay does not need gambling and casinos to prosper,” Villareal said. “Its beauty, its culture, its hospitality, and its natural gifts are already treasures that can support a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry.”

Kaban Hotel and Casino, located in Barangay Yapak on Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, had a soft opening on Sept. 16, with a larger grand launch set for Oct. 11.

The operator has said 40% of the facility’s employees are Aklan natives.