The Supreme Court of the Philippines recently made a far-reaching ruling, confirming that local villages and towns have autonomy in organizing fundraising activities such as Bingo games, without the need to apply for a permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This decision not only provides greater freedom for community organization fundraising activities but is also seen as an important affirmation of local governance powers.
The ruling was officially announced this week, passed by a majority of 11 votes in favor and 4 against, explicitly stating that the Bingo fundraising activities previously held in places like Barangay Tranquilville, Military Zone, and Outlook Avenue in Baguio City are legal acts, and PAGCOR has no right to interfere or set limits.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting told the media that the court's ruling is based on the constitutional principle of local government autonomy. She emphasized: "As long as the activities are for public welfare, comply with legal provisions, and are indeed used for community development, they should not be hindered by the national entertainment regulatory agency."
Ting further pointed out that according to the Republic Act No. 9487 (the PAGCOR Charter), PAGCOR's authority mainly applies to national, commercial large-scale gambling projects, and does not cover small-scale public welfare game activities sponsored by local government units for community service purposes.
This ruling has attracted high attention from all walks of life and is widely interpreted as a legal clarification of the boundaries between "national regulation" and "local autonomy". Many legal experts believe that this decision opens a legal window for local grassroots units to independently conduct game-type fundraising activities in the future, potentially encouraging more communities to actively promote public affairs and independently raise development funds without relying on central approval.
Meanwhile, some legislators also welcomed the ruling, calling it "returning power to the local," which injects flexibility into community economic development. Social organizations and grassroots officials generally believe that Bingo games, as a traditional and popular social form, if used to raise public resources and develop education, health, or infrastructure, will have a positive effect on enhancing community cohesion and autonomy.
However, there are also voices reminding that while such local activities relax regulation, they should still ensure openness and transparency, and prevent misuse by criminals, turning from public welfare to illegal gambling. For this reason, some legislators suggest that local governments should introduce supporting regulations to standardize the game hosting process, clarify the use of proceeds, and strengthen restrictions on minors' participation.
This ruling not only affects the handling of individual cases in three areas of Baguio City but also indicates that thousands of villages and towns nationwide will have clearer legal basis and operational freedom in hosting similar fundraising activities in the future.
As of now, PAGCOR has not yet publicly responded to the Supreme Court's decision, but it is expected that this ruling will continue to attract attention and controversy in the discussions of national gambling policy and local fiscal autonomy.
