BACOLOR --- Cabalantian Village Chief Jomar Hizon assailed the proposed local casino to be put up inside the King’s Royal Hotel in this town.

The village chief said that operating a gambling establishment in Bacolor flagrantly contravenes the objectives of the massive rehabilitation efforts for the reconstruction of the municipality.

"At worst, the casino operation is untimely, considering the danger, temptation and menace to the economic life of the residents who are yet rebuilding their lives," Hizon said in an interview.

As this developed, Hizon, concurrent president of Liga ng mga Barangay did not affix his signature to the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution approving the operation of local casino here.

Hizon has also vehemently denied his presence during the crucial hearing and deliberation on the final conference which was called for that purpose as reported by other local newspapers.

Instead, Hizon said he fully supported the opposition of the Archdiocese of San Fernando to the casino on moral grounds.

"The worst damage to the community will impact on their economic well-being, as the attraction of quick gain by gambling will overpower all people in all social classes," the village chief stressed.

With the expected estimated P4 billion outlay for the Bacolor Rehabilitation project, he finds the gambling house an accessible catch basin for gambling money, including those that would be beared by those who are engaged or work for the rebuilding of the town, he added.

"The casino is never a partner of development alongside a university in a town which is just rising from the ashes," he added. (Joel P. Mapiles)