BAGUIO City—The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday announced here its decision upholding the right of barangays to hold bingo games as fundraising projects.
SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the High Tribunal, in an en banc ruling, voted 11-4 affirming the rights of three barangays in Baguio City to conduct fundraising projects without securing permits from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or any national or local government entity.
The High Tribunal explained that the Constitution guarantees local autonomy among barangays, allowing them to run lawful activities including fund-raising that benefit their communities.
It cited the PAGCOR’s Charter, as amended by Republic Act No. 9487 which stipulates that games managed by local government units are not covered by regulatory powers of the state-run gaming corporation.
The barangays involved in this case include Barangays Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive.
Ting said the full text of the decision would be uploaded on the SC website as soon as it is available.
In the same press briefing, the SC warned the public anew against fake orders, notices, issuances, and advisories falsely attributed to the high court and other courts and offices in the Judiciary.
The SC likewise warned against individuals fraudulently claiming to be court employees.
“All courts use only official communication channels when issuing orders, notices, and other court-related documents. These channels may be verified at the respective websites of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan,” it said.
Speaking to reporters at the SC Baguio Compound, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo noted that there were even some instances when his name was used by unscrupulous persons to send out notices.