Gambling firm eyes 'poker room' in hotel
A company which is into gambling operation proposed to operate a poker room in one of the city’s hotels. Their proposal is now under study at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The Vanskaps & Management Group Inc. through its President Edward Soon Chiu has written Mayor Jerry Treñas expressing his intention to operate a poker room at the Residence Hotel in General Luna Street, City Proper. Chiu’s letter was dated January 22, 2009.
Chiu, in his letter to Treñas, stated they have a license from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). Vanskaps is based in Lahug, Cebu.
Treñas referred Chiu’s letter request to Atty. Edgar Gil, head of the City Legal Office (CLO), for his comment on the legal aspect in allowing the Vanskaps & Management to operate in the city.
A month later, Atty. Giovanni Miraflores of the CLO answered that any gambling operation in the city is subject to regulation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod as provided in the city ordinance.
It was learned that the city council has endorsed Chiu’s request to Councilor Lyndon Acap, chair of the committee on games, amusement and professional sports.
Acap has yet to take initial action on the proposal since it was only referred to him last Wednesday. Copies of the attachments regarding the proposed poker room were distributed among the city councilors.
Upon learning of the proposal, Msgr. Meliton Oso of the Jaro Archdiocese issued a statement outrightly rejecting the plan.
The Church at all times is opposed to any form of gambling, said Msgr. Oso.
Oso said the existence of the poker game will ruin the moral aspect of the people. Several families have been shattered after a casino operated in the city long ago. The moral values of the people will deteriorate.
The Church was one of the most active and vocal institutions in blocking the entry of the Small Town Lottery (STL) in the city years ago. Eventually, a permit was given to a group operating the STL. The Church only lost because of legality in the STL’s operation, said Oso.
The government should not only consider how much taxes they will generate out of the gambling operation but the moral aspect of its people, stressed Oso.