The recent ASEAN event in Cebu is under scrutiny after the choice of venue, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, drew criticism for allegedly being unsuitable for a high-profile international gathering.

An observer told Nosy Tarsee that several ASEAN member states — including Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, which have predominantly Muslim populations — might find a casino setting inappropriate for official functions.

“Why was the ASEAN event allowed to be held there? Something is fishy,” the source said.

Islam forbids gambling, and there is a broad consensus among ulema, or Islamic scholars, that gambling is haram, or forbidden.

The observer speculated that the Indonesian delegate appeared uncomfortable during the event and noted that it may be the first time an ASEAN gathering was held in a hotel-casino setting.

The source also questioned whether proper guidelines were followed in selecting NUSTAR as venue for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 and the ASEAN Ministers Meeting.

“It seems like there’s a conflict of interest. Surely there was a bidding process? Who had NUSTAR built?” the source said.

Reports have also noted that the hotel’s use was linked to a Cabinet official who had previously served as a top executive of the hotel’s operator and was involved in developing the complex.

In 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of a national organizing council to oversee programs, activities, and projects related to the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.