The Supreme Court has affirmed the right of barangays to organize games such as bingo as fundraising activities without seeking permits from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) or other government agencies.
SC spokesperson Camille Ting announced in a press briefing on Wednesday that the Court voted 11-4 in favor of three barangays in Baguio City—Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive—ruling that they acted within their constitutional autonomy.
“The SC highlighted that barangays have local autonomy under the Constitution, allowing them to run activities that benefit their communities and raise funds, as long as these are lawful,” Ting said.
She also cited Republic Act 9487, the PAGCOR Charter, which exempts games organized by local government units from PAGCOR’s jurisdiction.
