Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro. (Photo by Bong Fabe)
Catholic Church leaders in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao have stepped up a campaign against a plan to open a casino in the city of Cagayan de Oro.
The planned casino will be housed in a mall complex near a Catholic church and a university.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to the negative effects that gambling institutions will create in our society," read a pastoral letter issued by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro.
The prelate said the planned location for the casino in the heart of the city "will be highly inviting for [people] to enter."
"And because it is in front of an educational institution and near places of worship, it could result in the erosion of the value system of our young people," said Archbishop Ledesma.
The proposed casino is expected to generate revenue for the city and provide jobs for residents.