Saturday, September 13, 2008 Reconsider move, City dads ask trade secretary
THE Cebu City Council reminded Trade Secretary Peter Favila that there are ways to address the country’s economic woes other than resorting to gambling.
Councilor Arsenio Pacaña agreed to tone down his resolution after giving a privilege speech last Wednesday, where he asked the National Government to review the plan of making the country “the gambling Mecca of Asia.”
Pacaña was reacting to Favila’s statements made before the House of Representatives’ hearing on the Department of Trade and Industry’s proposed P2.85-million budget for 2009.
He reminded his colleagues that “failing to act on certain matters is also a sin.”
The councilor said that Favila wanted the construction of a multi-billion gambling complex as a strategy to entice investors and promote the development of the country.
Hence, he requested that the National Government reexamine such policy.
But the council, presided over by Vice Mayor Michael Rama, reminded Pacaña that what Favila said was not necessarily a National Government policy direction and could have just been his personal opinion.
Favila’s statement, according to a report, was a subtle endorsement of the proposal to build a Las Vegas-style gambling complex in the country.
He mentioned Singapore and Malaysia, which he said developed after investors flocked there for “entertainment and private gaming.”
“Maybe this is something that we can take a look at,” Favila was quoted as saying.
Favila acknowledged that what he said was unpopular and affects the sensibilities of several sectors, but said building a gambling complex is an opportunity the country might be missing.
And while he did not disagree with Pacaña’s request, City Councilor Edgardo Labella asked if the committee on trade, commerce, cooperatives and entrepreneurship chairman was sure that it was a categorical statement.
Councilor Raul Alcoseba said it could have been just an opinion.
This prompted Pacaña to agree to rephrasing his resolution so that it will only be a mere reminder to Favila, and not the National Government, on other approaches towards development.
He, however, told the council why, as a father, educator, and Catholic leader, he was constrained to act on Favila’s statement.
“While we are still in the council, we have the obligation to say something for the good of future generations,” he said. (RHM)
