Manila, Philippines - THE Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro voiced its dismay with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the impending operation of slot machines in the city.
Archdiocese media relations officer Monsignor Elmer Abacahin said the President has reneged on her promise to church officials last year to block slot machines and similar forms of gambling in the city.
"In the presence of the Armm (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) governor, the President promised to me and to Monsignor (Rey) Monsanto that she will not let these forms of gambling in the city," Monsignor Abacahin said.
This developed as Mayor Vicente Emano said he finds no violation whatsoever to the proposed slot machines to operate in a hotel under construction near Limketkai Center this city.
"I see nothing wrong with the slot machines operation and I support the position of the city council on this matter," the mayor said in expressing support to the resolution earlier passed by the City Council giving its consent on the operation of slot machines here.
Meanwhile, Games and Amusement committee chair Reynaldo Advincula issued a challenge Monday to the Catholic Church officials saying that if "it is really bent on opposing all types of gambling," then it should also resist lotto operations in the city.
Lotto is operated by the government owned and controlled Philippine Charity Sweepstakes.
"Ang lotto maoy klarong nakadaot sa mga gagmay nato nga kabos tungod kay bisan gani ang mga taga City Hall maghuna-huna na kung unsay mogawas sa suertres (lotto is clearly a menace to our poor constituents because even the City Hall people would eagerly await for the suertres result)," Councilor Advincula said.
Advincula also called for the abolition of lotto.
The church and the local government is expected to clash on the matter as the Catholic Church is bracing to launch massive actions against the gambling establishment.
Abacahin said there is no compromise to gambling saying that the church will oppose the slot machines and will not allow the culture of gambling to flourish in the city.
Abacahin said various civic leaders have already registered their willingness to the church's led opposition.
"They have called me and said they are willing to join the protest against this slot machines operation in the city."
The church spokesman also hit some members of the City Council for "leading the people to believe that slot machines will not affect the poor workers."
"While they say that our poor constituents have no access to the slot machines, how about their employers?" Abacahin said.
Abacahin explained that gambling will "indirectly affect the ordinary workers." He also cited the moral implications of establishing a gambling den in the city.