Emano tells casino operators to get Church’s nod first
Fr. Nathaniel Lerio, director of the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (SAC-ACDO), in a phone interview that he welcomes Emano’s decision to let the church have the first say on the casino issue.[]
“We are honored and grateful that the mayor has given us priority to give our position on the issue,” he said.
“The church has a long history of opposing any form of gambling, especially casinos. But I will bring this to the attention to the Archbishop so we can discuss this matter thoroughly and will come up with an official statement on the issue,” Lerio added.[]
Emano also said that giving the church the prerogative to decide on whether to put up casinos in the city or not is not an “interference on the part of the church on the government.”
“Unless they can convince the church then I am not allowing any casino to operate in the city. There is no such thing as the separation of the church and the state. Actually, we have been careful about that. Although there is such a doctrine, but certainly we know that it is the government that works with the church,” Emano said.
“And besides, this is not an interference on the part of the church on the government. In fact, they are trying to help us find the way,” he added. (Cong B. Corrales / MindaNews)
