Named this year as the richest man in the Philippines by Forbes Magazine, ex-Senator Manuel Villar Jr. and his family has proposed to build an integrated resort and casino in Las Piñas.
Via Prime Asset Ventures Inc. (PAVI), which is operated by the billionaire's son Manuel Paolo Villar, they have proposed to build the gaming complex named Gold Coast Entertainment City on a site spanning 10 to 15 hectares located along 5 extension in Barangay Manuyo 2.
His son Paolo is also the president of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country's largest homebuilder.
The casino will be developed and operated by PAVI and its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Vertex Entertainment and Resorts Corp.
PAVI president Teodulo San Juan Jr. along with Vertex president Caroline Cadelina wrote a letter and sent it to Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar, saying, "The project will include a casino complex, hotels, food and beverage and retail outlets and entertainment centers. The integrated resort and casino will be designed to convey a resort-like atmosphere. Accommodations and attractions will include nontraditional options to target a younger demographic of gamers and entertainment seekers. PAVI, Vertex and key contractor-partners have, among them, the resources, experience and capability to master plan, develop, ensure the completion of and operate the proposed Gold Coast Entertainment City."
San Juan said, "Gold Coast Entertainment will be strategically located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, thus easily accessible to gaming tourists."
The family of Villar is one of the groups who acquired a gaming license right before President Rodrigo Duterte imposed a moratorium on new casino applications.
If you travel to Metro Manila, you will see huge privately-owned gaming hubs there such as:
- Resorts World Manila - by Travellers International Hotel Group, a partnership between the Genting group of Malaysia and tycoon Andrew Tan
- Solaire Resort & Casino - by tycoon Enrique Razon's Bloomberry Resorts Corp.
- Okada Manila - by Tiger Resorts Leisure & Entertainment
Manuel ‘Manny' Villar was formerly a seafood vendor from Tondo, who established his fortune from real estate and property development. He retired from politics in order to focus on growing his business empire after he lost his presidential bid in 2010.
His wife, Cynthia Villar, currently is in first place at the senatorial elections.
According to Forbes Magazine's 2019 list of the Wealthiest people on the planet, Manny Villar is now the richest person in the Philippines, with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion.
Source:
https://www.casinonewsdaily.com/2019/05/20/philippines-richest-man-unveils-casino-resort-project/