The Diocese of Kalibo in Aklan has raised concerns over the recent opening of a casino in Boracay as it reiterated its opposition to gambling and its implications to the lives of many Filipinos.
The opposition was made after a six-story casino hub opened at Station 0 in Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island.
The diocese said does not want to promote hostility towards anyone, but to uphold the dignity of every individual, particularly the welfare of families.
The diocese cited a Catholic Church teaching that while games and chances are not contrary to justice, ‘gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives a person of what is necessary for his or her own needs or for the needs of others.’
It added that the teaching must serve as a reminder that money shall be used for basic necessities, such as education, food, shelter, and livelihood and not for gambling and easy money.
‘Our concern is also about the concrete consequences that gambling can bring to individuals, families, and society. Gambling can lead to financial distress and debt. It can consume resources intended for basic family needs. It can contribute to conflict between spouses, broken relationships, and neglect of children, and in serious cases, to other forms of social harm,’ it said in a pastoral statement.
While it recognizes economic benefits a casino may bring, it then raised the following questions: ‘What happens when a family’s savings are lost to gambling? What happens when money meant for food, education, or medicine is gambled away? What happens when a parent becomes enslaved by the hope of winning back what has already been lost?’
With this, it called on the provincial government of Aklan, municipality of Malay, and other concerned government agencies to consider the welfare of the people and exercise their responsibilities.
It then urged the faithful to not be deceived by easy money that can weaken hardship, sacrifices, and family solidarity.
It also advised the public to treat those already struggling with gambling addiction with compassion, understanding, and concrete help.