Barangay folks endorse operation of poker room at Boardwalk
Poker room finally got its approval to operate in the city with the favorable endorsement from the barangay council of Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao district.
San Rafael Barangay Captain Azucena Tabuyoc confirmed the barangay council has passed a resolution favorably endorsing the proposal of Vanskaps to operate a poker room at Boardwalk leisure and entertainment complex which is part of their barangay. Their resolution dated August 5, 2009 will be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The barangay resolution gives the proponent a bigger chance in securing a business permit and locational clearance from the city government.
The resolution was passed before the October 7, 2009 barangay hearing set by the Iloilo City Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustment (ICZBAA). The hearing was in relation to the application of the Vanskaps for a locational clearance.
Vanskaps is a licensed gaming firm of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). It is based in Lahug, Cebu. 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 is the Residence Hotel along General Luna, City Proper. The hotel is near the University of San Agustin. There is a city ordinance which bans the establishment of gambling within the 200 meters distance from school or church.
Tabuyoc said the approval was made even before they reached the three hearings requirement set by law. The resolution was accompanied by signatures of residents confirming their concurrence to the poker room operation.
The resolution was furnished to the committee on games, amusement and professional sports chaired by Councilor Lyndon Acap. He, earlier expressed approval on the operation of a poker room provided the proponent complies with the requirements based on the city ordinance.
Tabuyoc said there were no objections on the part of the residents when the proponent presented the poker room. The lot owner and nearby establishments have also endorsed the poker room. The poker room will be constructed near the Red Paprika restaurant.
The operation of a poker room will generate more revenue to the barangay through the business permit fees. Its operation will not affect the residents since it requires much money to play poker games, said Tabuyoc.
It was also learned that one of the considerations for the approval of the barangay to the poker room is for the proponent to place in their priority list the hiring of qualified residents of San Rafael. It will help in the employment of our residents, said Tabuyoc.
To recall, the Catholic church expressed strong opposition to the operation of the poker room, as in other numbers game, since it promotes gambling that destroys the moral fiber of the people.