CEZA independent of Duterte
The China-based Shanghai Jucheng Supply Management Group has announced it will invest $100 million to launch an integrated resort with casino in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in the Philippines. The announcement was made last week despite repeated statements by President Rodrigo Duterte that no new casinos will be built in the country.
The Manila Standard quoted Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Raul Lambino who said the Chinese group envisions a Jeju Island-inspired tourism project amid the natural wonders of northeastern Luzon. Earlier this month, Lambino signed a memorandum of understanding with Jucheng Group Chairman Xue Chenbiao in Shanghai.
CEZA is based in Santa Ana, Luzon, which is famous for its white sand beaches, diving spots, game fishing and tropical forest, the Standard reported.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, Duterte’s pronouncements on the matter don’t come into play because of CEZA’s authority as a special economic zone promoting tourism. Duterte has already counted out planned IR projects by Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group in Boracay and Landing International Development Ltd. in Manila.
