BAGUIO CITY —  The Supreme Court ruled that barangays can hold bingo games as fundraising projects without permits from the Philippine Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) or any national or local government office.

In decision promulgated by the en banc on April 22, 2025, the court voted 11-4 in favor of the Association of Barangay Councils and upheld the right of Barangays Trancoville, Military Cut-Off and Outlook Drive to hold bingo games.

“The SC highlighted that barangays have local autonomy under the Constitution, allowing them to run activities that benefit their communities and raise funds, as long as these are lawful,” SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said in a press conference.

The court noted that Republic Act No. 9487 or the PAGCOR’s Charter, states that games managed by local government units are not covered by PAGCOR’s rules. 

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