Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Philippines partner, Leisure and Resorts World Corp (LRWC), has denied reports the two companies are looking for a new location for their planned US$500 million Boracay integrated resort, despite the government declaring last week that it would not allow any new casinos to be built on the island.
In a statement, LRWC said, “Both parties have not reached any final decision regarding its planned Boracay resort project. Following protocol, no change in plans or project location would be made without prior consultation and agreement with PAGCOR.”
It added that, “Contrary to claims that Galaxy has abandoned its planned Boracay project, no such announcement has been made nor communicated with PAGCOR.”
LRWC’s denial followed comments made earlier on Tuesday by Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre in a press briefing in Boracay in which he claimed, “Galaxy has said that they are now looking for another venue and that’s very much welcome.”
“When they find it, then they just have to go through the process of accreditation and securing again a new PAGCOR temporary or provisional [license],” Alegre said. “The whole process will have to repeat. But that’s welcome news that they’re looking for another venue.”