Marquez vows P'que won't be home to Ho

Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez vowed to block any move, as alleged by an anti-gambling group, that Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho, is planning to set up his gambling empire headquarters in his city.

The Solidarity Against Gambling in the Philippines (SAGIP), through Human Rights lawyer Romeo Capulong, claimed that Ho is slated to take over the newly-opened Casino Filipino at the Provident International Resources Corporation (PIRC) in Parañaque to serve as his headquarters.

The (PIRC) building, which is owned by businessman Eduardo Marcelo, was formerly the site of the Old Duty Free Philippines and is just across the Ninoy International Airport (NAIA). "It's just part of his wild imagination," Marquez said of Capulong's allegations. He was, however, quick to add that he will block any plan or move, if indeed the reports are true.

He added that he will not compromise or gamble with the welfare of his constituents.

"Ako mismo ang magwawala (I will personally violently protest) and will work for the repeal of the city ordinance that allows the Casino Filipino in the city," Marquez added.

Meanwhile, SAGIP members announced yesterday that they are holding a motorcade rally in front of the PIRC building tomorrow.

From PIRC, the anti-gambling group will proceed to the Cultural Complex of the Philippines (CPP), where Ho's Manila Jumpo Palace is docked at the Manila Bay breakwater.