On March 25, 2007, a Roman Catholic Bishop, who is widely known for his anti-gambling stance, criticized a fellow Catholic Bishop and nuns that were photographed playing the slot machines and blackjack.
Archbishop Oscar Cruz commented that it was not right for Bishop Antonio Tobias and the group of nuns to attend the gaming expo held in Manila last week, which was hosted by Pagcor because of the Catholic Church's stance regarding gambling.
Bishop Antonio Tobias, who took the sisters along with him to the expo, was invited by the gaming officials to bless the place and say the opening prayer at the start of the gaming expo in Manila, which was sponsored by Government owned, Philippine Amusement and Gambling Corporation or Pagcor, according to Pagcor Spokesman Edward King.
Archbishop Oscar Cruz commented that it was very inconsiderate of Bishop Tobias and the nuns to attend a gambling expo. It put the Catholic Church in negative light. Both television coverage and the photos taken by the newspapers showed at least 4 nuns wearing their habit and crucifix playing the slot machines and the game of blackjack during the gaming expo.
Sunday, April 15 , 2007
Thomas Johnson