SC upholds barangays' right to hold bingo games without PAGCOR permit

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld barangays' right to hold bingo games as fundraising projects without needing permits from Pagcor or other government offices.

In a press briefing Wednesday, SC spokesperson Camille Ting announced that the high court voted 11-4 in favor of Barangays Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive in Baguio City to conduct bingo games as fundraising activities.

The ruling cited the Constitution's provision on local autonomy for barangays and Republic Act No. 9487, which states that games managed by local government units are not covered by PAGCOR rules.

SC noted that barangays can organize lawful activities benefiting their communities without needing national or local permits.

The full text of the decision will be uploaded on the SC website as soon as it is available.