To build or not to build? That is the $500-million Boracay casino question.

The Philippine government and the local partner of Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) gave conflicting statements on Tuesday regarding the fate of a planned multi-million dollar integrated resort on the island of Boracay.

It all started with the pronouncement of Philippine Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre that GEG had given in to government pressure and would look for another venue for its planned 23-hectare integrated resort.

Rappler reported that Alegre gave a press conference in Boracay to announce that GEG and its local partner, Leisure & Resorts World Corp. (LRWC), will have to “repeat” the process to secure a license to build a Philippine casino.