Last week the Palau Senate and the House of Delegates both approved a measure that will send to voters the issue whether casinos will be allowed to operate in this island republic.
The Senate voted 7-5 on November 3 to send the legislation to President Toribiong for his approval. The House of Delegates approved the measure earlier on a 13-3 vote.
“I have not yet made up my mind on the matter. I still have to consult the Council of Chiefs and the other officials regarding the issue before any decision will be made on my part,” he said.
Toribiong has 15 days to send the bill back to the Senate, sign it into law or allow it to become a law without his signature. The President has until Nov. 18 to make a decision.
The Council of Chiefs is composed of one traditional leader from each of the Republic’s states. The council advises the President on matters concerning traditional laws, customs and their relationship to the Constitution and the laws of Palau.
This council is highly respected and also works closely with other elected officials on a variety of local and regional issues. This setup is meant to ensure the preservation of traditional ways and the continued success of the democratic government.
“I have to hear what they say. The stand of the council will matter a lot whether I will sign or veto the legislation,” he declared.
The President disclosed that he will also talk with the governors of the 16 states composing Palau to hear their opinion on the matter.
“Their voice will also matter in the final decision,” he stressed.
A governor interviewed said that Pres. Toribiong has not yet asked her or the governors association on their stand on the issue, which promises to be the most contentious piece of legislation in the President’s term.
“The President has still not approached us regarding the matter, but I think he will do so soon,” said Ngardmau Governor Akiko Sugiyama, who disclosed that she herself has still no opinion on the matter.
“Our place will not be among the places where casinos are most likely to operate,” added Sugiyama, while identifying the states of Angaur and Koror as the most likely sites where casinos will be established.
A wealthy South Korean businessman reportedly has shown interest to put up casinos in the abovementioned places.
The bill calling for a referendum was originally crafted and passed by the Lower House intended to create a Casino Gaming Commission.
But when the measure reached the Senate for its consideration, Senator Hokkons Baules inserted an amendment that puts the decision on the hands of the people. That amendment was adopted by both houses of Congress and the final conference version forwarded to the President contains the provision on the conduct of national referendum on the casino issue.
Once the President signs the bill into law, Palau Election Commission is mandated conduct a referendum on the entry of casinos within 45 days.
During the referendum, voters will be asked this single question,” Do you approve of the establishment of casino gambling in the Republic of Palau?”The referendum allows for only a Yes or No answer to the question.
Majority of the votes cast is required for the issue to be affirmed.
Last year Pres. Toribiong vetoed a casino bill that was transmitted to his office by both houses of Congress.
At that time the President described casinos as get-rich-quick scheme that will not benefit Palau or its people.
He also declared at that time that he would not allow any casino to put up business in Palau while he is still president.
