Now, the single greatest liability a lawyer can have is pride. Pride has lost more cases than lousy evidence, idiot witnesses, and a hanging judge all put together. There is absolutely no place in a courtroom for pride. – A Civil Action

Like a fine, sharp knife to soft butter.

That’s how compliance should be with a just law, which a great civil rights champion once defined as “a man-made code that squares with the moral law of God”.

Such compliance must be for all applicable laws, including Supreme Court decisions.

Being the highest tribunal in the land, the SC is steeped in judicial statesmanship, and all its decisions are generally presumed to have been arrived at with the utmost collective wisdom of its esteemed justices.

In such a case, these majestic magistrates are truly a precious gift to the people.

Thus, former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado appealed to both the Taguig and Makati City governments to work for a smooth transition in relation to the final SC decision that the 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where the Bonifacio Global City is located and several barangays in Makati City are under the jurisdiction of Taguig City.

“The decision is now final and executory. All must respect the decision which the SC itself rendered after decades of litigation. Taguig and Makati should work together to ensure a smooth transition so that services will not be disrupted,” said Mercado.

He made the appeal as SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said the SC has dismissed the omnibus petition of the Makati City government seeking to elevate the land dispute to the SC en banc due to lack of merit.

In its decision, the High Court declared that the territory in question is under the jurisdiction of Taguig based on historical, documentary, and testimonial evidence.

“Considering the historical evidence adduced, cadastral surveys submitted, and the contemporaneous acts of lawful authorities, we find that Taguig presented evidence that is more convincing and worthier of belief than those proffered by Makati,” the SC decision stated.

Hosaka added that since the High Tribunal has already issued a final decision, it would no longer accept any pleadings, motions, letters or any communication concerning the case.

The 729-hectare area declared as part of Taguig, covers Fort Bonifacio, Barangay Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, and Pitogo as well as the Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ HQ, Consular area, JUSMAG area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, AFP Officers Village, and 6 other adjacent villages.

The SC ruling also directed Makati City to shoulder the legal expenses incurred in the land dispute.

For its part, the Taguig City government said the end of the legal battle would mark a new chapter for those affected by the land dispute.

In a statement, it said: “Our victory in the courts of law is not merely a vindication of our rights. It is equally a command for us to make good use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand our brand of committed public service to new constituents. We welcome our new Taguigeños with this solemn promise.”

Taguig City is hopeful that Makati City would cooperate for the smooth transition of the affected barangays to ensure continuous public service and for the benefit of former residents of Makati who will now be called Taguigeños.

With the case finally settled, Ped Xing believes both cities should now move on and sustain the business of propelling progress for their respective residents.

***

LGU transparency

key to investments

The job of declaring and promoting to the world that the country is open for business is not only for economic officials alone.

All Cabinet or department chiefs should lend their voices to send the message out resoundingly loud and clear.

Thus, Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. is set to open and keynote the country’s largest twin investment summit and expo in Dubai, further sustaining the Marcos administration’s pitch for more fresh foreign investments.

Abalos is expected to shed light on Philippine national and local government units’ initiatives on good governance, peace and order, sustainable development, ease of doing business and effective delivery of services — elements that boost confidence of investors in the country.

He would also share invaluable insights regarding government efforts to strengthen transparent governance, establish dependable infrastructure, and provide efficient public services to spur economic growth.

The inaugural Philippine Economic and Investment Summit and the 9th Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition is set for May 12 and 13 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira Creek, Dubai.

“The active involvement of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in PPIE and PEIS will exert a noteworthy impact on the Philippines’ stature as a highly attractive investment center in the Asian region. We at DILG believe that the transparency and accountability of LGUs can instill confidence in investors,” the DILG chief said.

He will also engage in an exchange of knowledge, insights and strategies aimed at fostering robust partnerships between the UAE and the Philippines.

The two-day international events would be open to the public.

Abalos, along with Amb. to the UAE Alonso Ver, would inaugurate the twin events, which would provide a platform for top firms in property development, banking, financial, and investment as well as LGUs to woo foreign and local investors to invest in the Philippines.

Ver said the UAE’s “impressive” progress as a global model of development has been a source of inspiration for the Philippines.

Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and founder of New Perspective Media Group, and chairperson of PPIE and PEIS, said Dubai, being a global business hub, presents the perfect venue for top property and investment firms as well as LGUs to promote their prime investment projects in the Philippines, to the more than 190 nationalities based in the UAE.

“The UAE is known for its unparalleled success in facilitating international consumer, business and government events. Through PPIE and PEIS, NPM Group aims to further enhance the burgeoning partnership between our two nations by promoting investment opportunities,” Kemo said.

The Philippine economy grew by 7.6 percent in 2022, positioning it as the fastest-growing economy in the ASEAN region, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

This growth marks the quickest rate of economic expansion for the country in over four decades, exceeding the government’s target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

Overseas remittances continue to be a strong impetus, accounting for 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and 8.4 percent of gross national income.

Recent measures have been put in place to further liberalize the economy and enhance its attractiveness to foreign investment.

For instance, the government has recently passed legislation allowing full foreign ownership of companies that provide public services, while also enacting policies to lower corporate income tax rates and rationalize fiscal incentives.

Additionally, the minimum paid-up capital requirements for foreign retailers and start-ups introducing advanced technology have been reduced.

For details or to register for PPIE and PEIS, visit www.ppie.ae and www.ppie.ae/peis/ respectively.

PPIE is supported by Rockwell Land and RLC Residences as gold sponsors, and Ayala Land as silver sponsor.

Behold God’s glory and seek His mercy.

Pause, ponder, pray, and act, people.