Hearing for Vanskaps locational clearance set on Wednesday
The Iloilo City Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustment (ICZBAA) will conduct a hearing Wednesday (October 7) on the application of Vanskaps & Management Group for a locational clearance.
The locational clearance is in relation to the bid of the Vanskaps to operate a poker game at Boardwalk entertainment at leisure complex in Mandurriao district. The hearing will be held 3 p.m. of October 7 at the Barangay Hall of San Rafael, Mandurriao.
The ICZBAA is composed of representatives from the City Planning Development Office, City Legal Office, and City Engineers Office among others.
Vanskaps is a licensed gaming firm of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) which is based in Lahug, Cebu.
San Rafael Barangay Captain Azucena Tabuyoc is amenable to the operation of the poker game as it will generate more taxes to the community which is contrary to the Church’s stand on the proposed poker game.
The Church through Msgr. Meliton Oso expressed strong opposition to the poker game and any form of gambling as it will ruin the moral fiber of the people.
The Boardwalk became the alternative site for the poker game after violations were imminent in the first site eyed by Vanskaps in operating a poker room. The first site of the proposed poker game was the Residence Hotel along General Luna, City Proper.
The hotel is near the university. There is a city ordinance which bans the establishment of gambling within the 200 meters distance from school or church.
As early as January 2009, the gambling firm has already expressed their interest in establishing poker games in the city. The Vanskaps & Management Group Inc. through its President Edward Soon Chiu has written Mayor Jerry Treñas about his plan.
Treñas immediately referred Vanskaps proposal to the City Legal Office and ICZBAA for comment. The CLO through Atty. Giovanni Miraflores came up with a recommendation that any gambling operation in the city is subject to regulation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod as provided in the City Ordinance.