Bishops from Capiz province have urged government and business leaders to heed the Diocese of Kalibo’s concerns about the consequences of gambling’s proliferation following the opening of a casino hub in Boracay.
The Diocese of Kalibo recently reiterated its opposition to gambling and its implications for the lives of many Filipinos who engage in it. This came after a six-story casino hub opened at Station 0 in Barangay Yapak, Municipality of Malay, on Boracay Island.
In a solidarity statement, Bishops Victor Bendico (Metropolitan Archbishop of Capiz) and Narciso Abellana (Bishop of Romblon) said the concerns expressed by the Diocese of Kalibo ‘deserve serious attention.’
‘As pastors of neighboring local Churches, we share its concern for the consequences that the spread of gambling may have upon our people, particularly upon families and those who are poor and vulnerable,’ the bishops said.
The bishops acknowledged that while Boracay is in the pastoral care of the Diocese of Kalibo, what happens there also concerns the neighboring dioceses, particularly on the issue of gambling and its impacts on the lives of many Filipinos.
‘We therefore add our voice to that of the Bishop of Kalibo and ask our public officials, business leaders, and all who bear responsibility for the future of Boracay to listen carefully to the concerns raised by the local Church,’ they added.
They also emphasized that ‘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.’
The bishops also called on the faithful to view the concerns raised by the Diocese of Kalibo as an appeal to conscience and care for others, and not as an attack against anyone.