Atienza: No casinos in Binondo

Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday said he would not allow the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to set up a casino in Binondo because it does not have the support of residents.

Atienza issued the statement amid speculation that the state-run Pagcor would revive its gambling operations at the Binondo Suites and Premiere Hotel in Manila’s Chinatown.

Even Teresita Ang-See’s Kilusang Kontra Sugalan expressed apprehension about the possible reopening of the casino in their community.

But Atienza sought to assuage their fears, saying he would not allow such operations in the city.

"I totally, totally dispelled their doubts. I will not allow casino operations in Binondo simply because the residents are against it and we know the sentiments of the people," Atienza told The STAR.

He said that it was impossible that Pagcor, chaired by Efraim Genuino, would be able to operate legitimate gambling operations in the city without the city government’s knowledge.

"First, I have not heard of any such rumors. Besides they would have to acquire a building permit from the Manila City Hall. There is no need to be alarmed because the Manila City Hall did not agree to the operations of (any) casino in Binondo," the mayor added.

Atienza added he doesn’t know how the rumor started but it might have been the handiwork of "destabilizers" who may have intended to question President Arroyo if she had approved the alleged Pagcor move.

"Teresita Ang-See may have been fed with the wrong information," he said.

Ang-See was earlier quoted as saying: "Does she (Mrs. Arroyo) owe Pagcor so much that she would allow the casino to operate after all the rancor it elicited? The Tsinoy community is closely monitoring that."

Apart from Ang-See, the other signatories to the Kilusan Kontra Sugalan are Gerie Chua, Ang Chak Chi, Paul Limgenco, George Go and Pilar Ongking.