INSIDER INFO: High-stakes drama as casino rivalry brews in Lapu-Lapu City

A city in Cebu that boasts five-star hotels along its beaches and the province’s international airport recently gave its approval for tycoon Kevin Tan-led Travellers International Hotel Group to build a P17-billion casino resort.

The “no objection” certificate issued by Lapu-Lapu City officials last Aug. 28 enables Travellers to meet the requirements for a casino franchise from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

But not everyone is happy with this new development. 

We learned that some within the camp of Davao-based tycoon Dennis A. Uy are questioning moves by Lapu-Lapu City to award a new casino contract since their group was promised long-term exclusivity for their Emerald Bay casino way back in 2016.

The deal was for Emerald Bay to be the only integrated casino in the area for “seven years from the commencement of commercial operations,” a previous filing from Uy-led casino developer PH Resorts Group Holdings showed.

“They essentially threw out the seven-year exclusivity period the LGU [local government unit] gave us,” an insider said.

An insider from Lapu-Lapu City mentioned they had grounds to pursue a new agreement as Emerald Bay had been stalled for several years and is facing difficulties in finding a new investor. The exclusivity agreement was also “just a resolution” issued by the previous mayor and can be overturned. 

On top of this, they conducted a thorough legal review before approving Travellers’ casino project, owned by the Tan family conglomerate Alliance Global Group.

The insider said the LGU had been waiting years for the completion and start of commercial operations of Emerald Bay. 

About the author
Miguel R. Camus
Miguel R. Camus

Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.

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