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Ateneo de Cagayan wins via split decision in 'Frankahan'

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 01/09/2009 8:06 PM

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The continuation of the Octofinals of ANC's Square Off: Frankahan - The Drilon Debates had Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan and Polytechnic University of the Philippines battling over whether or not casinos are beneficial to society.

On the government side, PUP argued that a Las Vegas-style gambling city - like what the Philippine government has planned for Manila Bay, would  help bring in more than $20B of foreign investments, boost tourism, and provide around 300,000 jobs for Filipinos. Moreover, the revenues that could be collected from such an industry would increase government revenues considerably and help fund government projects.

Xavier University countered that the negative effects of having a gambling city in the country would far outweigh the benefits. They argued that casinos promote a lifestyle of indiscriminate spending and undue reliance on luck, which can only lead the Philippines deeper into poverty and debt. They also cited the perils of encouraging gambling as a habit, which could cause individuals to abandon their financial responsibilities.

PUP however pointed out that the opposition was not looking at the bigger picture.They reminded the other team that the Philippine Gaming Corporation is the third largest contributor to the country's revenues, which will help provide services that will trickle down to the deepest part of society.  Besides, PUP asserted, casinos cater to the rich, who can well afford to gamble their money away.

Xavier University asserted that casinos accept any client who shows up with money and thus have no safeguards against those who would fritter away their hard-earned savings  Though they concede to the benefits casinos may bring, Xavier argued that these casinos bank on the manipulation of people to generate money and, this, at the end of the day is morally wrong.

"It is actually the government's responsibility to promote or generate income in a positive way," says Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jaymee Leonen.

"Banking on the people's gullibility is wrong. There are other ways to increase revenues and employment."

This was essentially the argument that convinced two of the judges to give the win to Xavier University while one judge was adamant that PUP had won.

"This was a split decision. We had our own debate among us judges," Chief Adj Ricky de la Cruz explained. "Though PUP explained the benefits clearly,  there was a lack of engagement on the ethical aspect."

Square Off: Frankahan - The Drilon Debates airs every Wednesdays, 8-9pm, with replays every Thursday 1pm, Saturday 1pm and Sunday 2am.