THE legal battle between Taguig and Makati over jurisdiction of a number of properties went on for 30 years. It started at the trial court, went to the Court of Appeals before reaching the Supreme Court

It’s a hard and painful battle –one that could have been mitigated if the case was not brought to the Supreme Court. If the case was not dragged further, Makati could have retained jurisdiction over the Embo barangays. It could only be the disputed Bonifacio Global City that had gone to the jurisdiction of Taguig.

Some think that for seeking the courts’ intervention, Makati lost more than the 240 hectare military reservation in Fort Bonifacio where BGC is located. It also lost the Enlisted Men Barrio (EMBO) barangays which includes Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside. All in all, Makati had lost a total of 729 hectare of territory to Taguig.

Tracing back history, it was in 1993 when the Taguig local government filed a petition to solidify its jurisdiction over BGC. Makati then was intent on claiming ownership of BGC.

Taguig did not take it sitting down and filed a petition before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court — Civil Case No. 63896 which is “Judicial Confirmation of the Territory and Boundary Limits of [Taguig] and Declaration of the Unconstitutionality and Nullity of Certain Provisions of Presidential Proclamations 2475 and 518, with Prayer for Writ of Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order.”

Taguig won in the RTC in 2011. But Makati brought the case before the Court of Appeals where it eventually won in 2013. This sparked a word war between the two big cities, with their supporters joining the exchange of arguments. From molehill to mountain, the controversy became intense.

With continuous development turning BGC into a prime business district, Makati’s interest for the area grew stronger. Being the location of large multinational companies, BGC is one of Taguig’s primary source of income.

It can be recalled that following the decision of the Court of Appeals, Makati offered an income sharing deal for Fort Bonifacio. But Taguig City declined the move as the decision is not yet final and the case has not yet reached the Supreme Court.

Taguig filed an appeal before the Court of Appeals and Makati’s early celebration was cut short when it was later found guilty of forum shopping.

But Makati City did not stop. It brought the case before the Supreme Court. Last year howver, the high tribunal issued a final and executory decision where Taguig City emerged as the victor.

Taguig’s move to take over the EMBO barangays is in accordance with the order of the Supreme Court which ruled in its favor. In the name of peace and order, perhaps, Makati City should now give way for Taguig to administer Embo barangays and BGC.

As a result of a legimate court order and decision, Taguig should also be given assistance to carry out the court’s order and let it assume jurisdiction on the contested territory.

Currently, government agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Philippine National Police, Department of Health are abiding with the decision of the Supreme Court.

The Commission on Elections is also recognizing the court’s final ruling as it prepares to move affected voters from Makati to Taguig for the upcoming Barangay and SK elections.

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AUTHOR PROFILE

Mario Fetalino Jr.