Despite opposition, proposed Boracay casino may soon get the nod

There is a big chance, despite strong opposition, that a casino may soon open in world-famous beach destination, Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

“The proposed casino may operate soon.  The proposal of a resort has been approved on second reading,” said Malay Town Councilor Rowen Aguirre in a text message.

With the approval, Aguirre said Boracay New Coast will soon get an endorsement from the Malay Town Council for its proposed casino operation.

Owned by Manila–based major property developer Megaworld, which has bought Fil-Estate’s Fairways and Bluewater resort in the northern tip of Boracay Boracay, Boracay New Coast  New Coast is reported to have proposed opening its proposed casino only to its own resort guests as well as visiting expatriates on the island.

Boracay New Coast is also reportedly securing a license to open its proposed casino in Boracay from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

For years and years, many proponents have tried, in vain, to put up a casino on Boracay Island. However, such moves have successfully been opposed by both the Church and local business here.

Specifically, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish and Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) have strongly been against the opening of a casino or any organized gambling operation, for that matter, in Boracay.

However, observers here fear that this time, not even the Church and other anti-casino and organized gambling sectors in Boracay, will have a chance to hold back big money and the power of such influential property developers like Megaworld and their desire to finally introduce organized gambling on the island.