BARANGAYS enjoy local autonomy under the Constitution and can initiate activities to raise funds without seeking permission of government agencies.
The Supreme Court (SC) made the ruling as it upheld the right of three barangays in Baguio City to hold bingo games as a fundraising project without getting a permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) or any national or local agency or officer.
Eleven magistrates voted in favor of the petition filed by officials of Barangays Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive and allowed them to stage bingo games to raise funds.
Four magistrates voted against the majority decision.
“Barangays have local autonomy under the 1987 Constitution, allowing them to run activities that benefit their communities and raise funds, as long as these are lawful,” the SC said in a briefer.
The en banc also noted that Republic Act 9487, or the PAGCOR Charter, states that games managed by local government units are not covered by their rules.
The SC has yet to release the copy of the decision on the case.
