SC favors barangay fundraising autonomy in ruling

BAGUIO CITY – In a vote of 11-4, the Supreme Court upheld the right of three barangays in Baguio City — Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive — to conduct bingo games as fundraising projects without requiring permits from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or any government agency.

The Court affirmed that barangays possess local autonomy under the Constitution, allowing them to organize lawful activities that benefit their communities.

The high court emphasized that Republic Act No. 9487, or the "PAGCOR’s Charter," explicitly excludes games managed by local government units from PAGCOR’s regulatory authority.

This ruling strengthens local governance by affirming that local government units (LGUs) can independently pursue fundraising initiatives without unnecessary interference.