The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) jurisdiction to impose regulatory measures on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) under the approved RR-POGO issued in 2016.
Specifically, a local media outlet reported that the Supreme Court rejected consolidated petitions from various groups and individuals, primarily citing procedural grounds.
These petitioners contested the legality of regulations that define licensing, accreditation, and registration procedures for offshore gaming operators, agents, and associated service providers.
Moreover, the Court observed that the petitioners—including the Union for National Development and Good Governance Philippines (Unilad), the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc., and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista—failed to follow the court’s hierarchy. They also did not sufficiently justify why the issues they raised warranted the court’s consideration.
Additionally, the tribunal noted that the petitioners failed to establish any direct or personal interest in the implementation of the RR-POGO.
The Supreme Court further determined that the petitioners did not adequately substantiate the alleged transcendental significance of the issues raised.
The petitioners argued that the RR-POGO violated the Constitution, claiming that PAGCOR lacks 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.
In response, PAGCOR introduced a revised regulatory framework for offshore gaming in August last year, rebranding POGO as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL).
Overall, it is good that authorities maintain clarity on regulating online gaming in the Philippines. This transparency not only instills confidence among operators and players but also creates a better, more stable gaming landscape.
