GOVERNOR Amado Espino Jr. has given the assurance that there will be no casino operation in the eco-tourism zone that is currently being developed in a 300-hectare lot in the capital town Lingayen.

Espino quickly denied initial reports that a casino will be built in the complex that prompted a negative reaction from Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

He said the development of the area never considered the inclusion of a casino from the onset as he clarified that his interest in developing the area started when he was still a police director of the province.

“Binalikan ko na nga lang yan ngayong gobernador na ako,” Espino said, explaining that he initiated moves to have the property transferred to the provincial government for development.

Espino said among the plans for the park is a golf course

“I’m sorry if he (Cruz) was misinformed,” Espino said and labeled the report as malicious.

Reached for his com ments, Cruz told The PUNCH “it’s a good thing to know the report was false”.

“I merely reacted negatively based on that report that part of the plan was to build a casino,” the influential cleric said.

He added that he will definitely oppose any future plan as he did in the past when a businessman from Calasiao town attempted but failed to operate a casino in his establishment after Cruz created an uproar. #

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