‘Nothing wrong with Casino U’

Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles has asked President Arroyo to reconsider her decision rejecting the proposal to establish a casino school, saying there is no real basis to claim that it would only promote a "culture of gambling" in the country.

Nograles, vice chairman of the House committee on games and amusement, said the proposal to put up a school for card dealers, roulette operators and other personnel running gaming tables should not have been rejected outright because the plan also has its merits.

The solon said there is no basis for President Arroyo to claim that the proposed Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. Academy would promote a "culture of gambling" in the country because it would not teach Filipinos how to become gamblers themselves.

Instead, Nograles said the school would provide many Filipinos alternative employment opportunities in places like Las Vegas in the United States and other casino centers in Paris and London.

"I’m sure the school will not train Filipinos to become gamblers themselves. The school would only help many Filipinos hone their natural talents as world-class card dealers and other skills required by casinos. I think the President has a misplaced notion that it could promote the so-called ‘culture of gambling’ in the country," he said.