No casino in eco-tourism zone, says P’sinan gov

By Jennelyn Mondejar

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan– Gov. Amado Espino Jr. told Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz that he will not allow a casino to operate in a 300-hectare lot owned by the provincial government in this capital town that is being developed into an eco-tourism zone.

Contrary to a local television report, Espino said he has good intentions in developing the sprawling area that straddles four coastal barangays, which has been idle for several years.

He said when he was still the provincial police director, he initiated moves to have the land’s ownership be transferred to the provincial government during the term of President Fidel Ramos.

“I merely went back to it now that I am the governor,” he added.
He said it saddens him that there are malicious reports reaching Cruz. “I’m sorry if he was misinformed,” he said.

“The report reaching him was something cinematic and the bishop apparently got mad,” he added.

Espino said he knows too well that putting up a casino is not an easy job, as it entails the approval of various sectors and a franchise, too.

Reached for comment, Cruz said it’s a good thing to know the report was false.

“Mabuti naman kung ganun (Good, if it’s like that),” he said. “I merely reacted negatively based on that report that part of the plan was to build a casino.”

Cruz said he would definitely oppose any casino operation as he did in the past when a hotel owner in Calasiao town attempted but failed to operate such a facility after the archbishop made an uproar about it.