Philippine Supreme Court affirms autonomy of barangays over bingo games

Barangays can conduct bingo fundraisers without needing permits from PAGCOR or other agencies.

The Philippines.- The Supreme Court has allowed three barangays in Baguio City (Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive) to hold bingo games as fundraisers without requiring permits from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) or any other government agency.

In a press briefing, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the court voted 11-4 in favour of the autonomy of barangays. Ting said the Constitution gives barangays the right to run activities that help their communities and raise funds, as long as the activities are legal. She said that Republic Act 9487, PAGCOR’s charter, states that games organised by local government units do not fall under PAGCOR.

Councillor Rocky Aliping, head of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Baguio City welcomed the decision. He told the Philippine News Agency: “Good news to all barangays who are engaged in having a fundraising activity like bingo. There is no need to secure a permit from PAGCOR and city licensing as long as there is an event, fiesta, special occasion and it is duly approved by the barangay council in a resolution.”

Aliping added that there should be clear guidelines to prevent abuse of authority and ensure illegal activities are not approved.

Philippine cardinal expresses concern about increasing accessibility of gambling

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has expressed concern about the increasing availability of online gambling in the country and warned it could lead to a rise in gambling harm. During his homily at the Chrism Mass at San Roque Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, April 17, David said: “Before, you had to go to a casino. Now, the casino is in your pocket. And it will empty your pockets.”

In March, senate president Francis G. Escudero called for a cost-benefit analysis to ascertain whether licences granted to PIGOs should continue. He suggested that the operators, which are licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), may have a negative impact on many Filipinos.

Claire Castro, undersecretary of the presidential communications office, said the government was conducting studies to evaluate the effects of PIGOs and that president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. might impose a ban on PIGOs if they are found to be causing issues similar to those that led to the shutdown of offshore gaming operators. However, Castro said that PIGOs contribute to the Philippine economy through tax revenues and marketing expenditures.