Militants slam casino university

Ironic.

That’s how militants described yesterday the plan to set up a school of gambling in the country to be known as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Academy.

Pagcor proposed the establishment of the academy.

Teddy Casiño, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said it is "scary and shameful" for a state-run firm to consider making gambling a career for Filipinos.

"It is very ironic that a President who is supposedly the exact opposite of deposed President Joseph Estrada would offer this kind of course than having legitimate courses that will really benefit the people," he said.

"Government should instead keep the people away from gambling because it is very unproductive. This proposal deserves to be put in the trash can."

President Arroyo’s move is worse than that of ousted President Joseph Estrada, who had pushed for the legalization of jueteng and other forms of gambling, he added.

On the other hand, Rodolfo Sambajon, chairman of Pamalakaya, said Mrs. Arroyo is now playing "Erap’s card game" to generate revenues for the government.

"It is welcome news for the likes of former President Joseph Estrada and his gang of gamblers, or perhaps to the new set of cronies identified with her cash-strapped government," he said. "She has eclipsed the disgraced president in this department."

Manolito Serrano, spokesman of Pamalakaya, said Pagcor’s proposal is possibly aimed at reviving attempts to make the country the gambling capital of Asia and invite characters like Hongkong’s Stanley Ho.

"The Filipino people are asking her to approve demands for higher wages, lower the prices of oil and stop electric and water cartels from increasing their rates, not this gambling school of thought. This dim-witted proposal deserves public outrage and wholesale condemnation," he said.

As proposed, the Pagcor Academy will offer bachelor’s degrees in casino operations and management later this year. –Katherine Adraneda