Duterte drops Boracay casino ban, opening door for Macao's Galaxy

Philippine tycoon Andrew Tan to proceed with project on the island

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says the government's need for money amid the pandemic has made it necessary to drop the ban on casinos on Boracay Island. (Source photos by AP and Reuters)

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

August 27, 2021 16:32 JST

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will allow casinos on the resort island of Boracay in a policy reversal that opens the door for Macao's Galaxy Entertainment Group and local tycoon Andrew Tan to pursue integrated resort projects there.

In 2018, Duterte banned casinos from being built on the central island, famous for its white sand beaches, following a six-month closure and cleanup project. His decision stalled millions of dollars in potential investments, including Galaxy's project, which was worth as much as $500 million.