By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Duterte has vowed to block new casino operations in the country following his dismissal of the entire board of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation over a controversial integrated casino project.
The President explained that he fired the Nayong Pilipino’s top officials for approving a long-term land lease to a casino resort developer.
“Yesterday I fired the council of Nayong Pilipino. All of them. You do not give gambling licenses or franchise for 75 years. What I mean to say is when a child is born today and 75 years later, he is that old, there will still be gambling in this city. I will not allow it,” Duterte said during the 117th Police Service Anniversary celebration at Camp Crame, Quezon City Wednesday.
“I hate gambling. I do not want it. There will be no casinos outside of what are existing. I’m not granting anything. Basta gambling ayaw ko. Better look for something more enticing,” he added.
Malacañang said Duterte dismissed the Nayong Pilipino board and management officials after he found out the terms of the lease contract signed with Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp. have put the government at a disadvantage.