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Sunday, June 18, 2006
Mayor calls for junking of casino resolution
By Rimaliza Opiña
BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Braulio Yaranon called on the City Council to nullify an earlier resolution allowing the operation of a casino within the Camp John Hay (CJH) special economic zone.
Yaranon asked the council, through Vice Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., to revoke Resolution 248-2003.
While the resolution was never implemented, Yaranon said it still has to go through the formality of nullification.
On grounds that Resolution 248 contradicts existing policies of the City Government, the mayor argued that the 1991 Local Government Code did not authorize the Council to issue a franchise to any person or entity that wishes to operate a casino joint.
"The resolution also runs counter to an established city policy against all forms of gambling on moral and ethical reasons," Yaranon said.
Passed on Nov. 5, 2003, the resolution amended a previous resolution, which contained the 19 conditions for the management and development of the former American rest and recreation base. At that time, the CJH was awarded for development to the CJH Development Corporation by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), through the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC).
One condition provides that only wholesome family-oriented recreation shall be made available to CJH visitors.
Resolution 248 amended that provision and allowed the operation of a casino joint with the condition that only tourists and club members should be allowed to enter and play.
Only Councilor Edilberto Tenefrancia however voted against the passage of the resolution. Then a councilor Yaranon walked out of the session hall before the voting took place.
The resolution, which endorsed "upon the request of the BCDA for guidance, the operation of a gaming and entertainment complex inside the CJH Special Economic Zone" pitted pro and anti-gambling advocates in the city three years ago. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
(June 18, 2006 issue)
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