Baguio City Council rejects E-Bingo application

BAGUIO CITY — Upholding Baguio’s image as a city of character, the Baguio City Council has denied the application of RCC Global Entertainment Inc. to operate an E-Bingo establishment at Cedar Peak along Mabini Street, near Session Road, Baguio City.

In a statement submitted to the council, the Baguio City Council (BCC) called for a significant policy shift, urging city officials to move away from E-Bingo and other gambling-related activities. The council emphasized that such practices often exploit human vulnerability and run counter to the city’s commitment to community well-being and ethical standards.

As an alternative, the council advocated prioritizing non-gambling activities such as sports, volunteerism, and the promotion of local heritage. The resolution cited the Supreme Court’s position against the use of bingo for fundraising, instead underscoring sustainable development and community building as more meaningful drivers of progress.

By encouraging barangay leaders and city officials to promote self-discipline and cultural enrichment, the council said it hopes to reinforce an identity for Baguio that values long-term social health over the convenience of gambling revenues.

The city council acted on the issue through several motions. First, it formally denied the specific application filed by RCC Global. Second, it adopted a motion to review and possibly implement a policy on the non-renewal of permits for all gambling-related businesses in the city. Another motion was referred to the appropriate committee, urging barangays to explore alternative fundraising methods instead of relying on bingo games.

Last year, a Baguio councilor also moved for the removal of E-Bingo operations in the basement of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex. The proposal was still under study when a fire razed the basement of the establishment later that year, before the council could reach a final decision.