The Supreme Court of the Philippines has dismissed a petition for jurisdiction of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to impose regulatory measures on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) under the RR-POGO approved in 2016.

The Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated petitions filed by different groups and individuals on technical grounds.

The petitions challenge the legality of the licensing, certification and registration process measures for offshore gaming operators, agents and related service providers.

The court noted that the petitioners, which include the National Union for Development and Good Governance of the Philippines (Unilad), the Anti-Telapo Movement of the Philippines, Inc., and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista, ignored the court’s hierarchy and did not sufficiently substantiate the issues raised for the court’s consideration.

Furthermore, the tribunal noted that the petitioner had not demonstrated any direct or personal interest in the execution of RR-POGO.

The Supreme Court ruled that the alleged transcendent significance of the issue raised lacked sufficient evidence.

The petitioners objected to the constitutionality of the RR-POGO, claiming that PAGCOR lacked the authority to regulate online or offshore gaming operations.

They petitioned the Supreme Court to annul the RR-POGO and permanently prevent PAGCOR from enforcing its provisions.

PAGCOR implemented a revised offshore gaming regulatory framework last August, renaming POGOs as Internet Gaming License Holders (IGLs).