
The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions challenging the jurisdiction of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to impose regulatory measures on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) under the approved RR-POGO in 2016.
As reported by a local media outlet, the Supreme Court rejected consolidated petitions from various groups and individuals, citing procedural grounds.
These petitions contested the legality of regulations delineating the licensing, accreditation, and registration procedures for offshore gaming operators, agents, and associated service providers.
The Court observed that the petitioners, including the Union for National Development and Good Governance Philippines (Unilad), Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc., and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista, failed to adhere to the court’s hierarchy and did not sufficiently justify the relevance of the raised issues for the court’s consideration.
Additionally, the tribunal noted that the petitioners did not establish any direct or personal interest in the implementation of the RR-POGO.
The Supreme Court determined that the alleged transcendental significance of the raised issues lacked adequate substantiation.
The petitioners contended the constitutionality of the RR-POGO, arguing that PAGCOR lacks the authority to regulate online or offshore gaming operations. They urged the Supreme Court to nullify the RR-POGO and permanently restrain PAGCOR from enforcing its provisions.
PAGCOR introduced a revised regulatory framework for offshore gaming in August of the previous year, rebranding POGO as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL).
It is good that there is always clarity on the regulation of online gaming in the Philippines. This instills confidence among operators and players and gives a better gaming landscape.