THE Supreme Court has given the final word on the territorial dispute between Makati and Taguig cities when it affirmed its 2021 decision declaring the 729-hectare Bonifacio Global City complex and several barangays in Makati as rightfully belonging to Taguig.
While Taguig and Makati are embroiled in the enforcement of the SC decision ruling with finality that the enlisted men’s barrios (EMBOs) are under the jurisdiction of Taguig, officials of the two feuding cities must not lose sight of the need to continue providing basic services to the residents in the “Inner Fort” barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo and Pitogo.
Also situated in the same area are the Philippine Army headquarters, Philippine Navy, Marines headquarters, consular area, JUSMAG area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, and AFP Officers Village.
Top priority should now be given to providing education, and in making sure that the opening of classes in the EMBOs on August 29 pushes through as scheduled.
‘All that is left now is for the transfer of jurisdiction to proceed smoothly, without any more delays in providing basic services, starting with the most urgent concern on the opening of classes.’
Now that the Department of Education (DepEd) has assumed jurisdiction over the public schools in the EMBOs, Taguig and Makati should cooperate with DepEd’s transition committee to ensure the smooth and orderly transition of the public schools.
The distribution of school supplies to the schoolchildren cannot be delayed by politicking and apparent attempts to delay the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision, which is already final and executory, after the High Tribunal already denied Makati City’s second motion for reconsideration.
This provision of supplies and other school needs basically requires that a list of beneficiaries be turned over by Makati to Taguig. Since both cities enjoy very high incomes, they can well afford to buy these materials and supplies for the schoolchildren in the area. The said list cannot be held hostage because that would mean delay in the delivery of government services, particularly education, at such a critical time as the opening of classes on August 29.
Another critical public service area is health services. As the transition towards putting the EMBOs under Taguig’s jurisdiction is in progress, the local governments involved must make sure that the delivery of health services is prompt and sufficient, as any breaks in an ongoing medication and treatment can have adverse effects on a patient’s health.
Other basic services such as public order and safety, and the delivery of benefits to senior citizens, cannot also be compromised by attempts to delay the transfer of jurisdiction.
Surely, the Supreme Court, in ruling with finality that jurisdiction lies with Taguig, did not intend to foist snags in the delivery of government services to the residents in the EMBOs who are caught in this turf war. In fact, this could be precisely why the High Court already ruled on the merits of the territorial dispute to finally resolve this nagging question on which city government has jurisdiction over the said barangays.
All that is left now is for the transfer of jurisdiction to proceed smoothly, without any more delays in providing basic services, starting with the most urgent concern on the opening of classes.
