Makati City Mayor Abby Binay. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines — Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Monday vowed to continue helping around 300,000 residents affected by the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision over her city’s territorial dispute with Taguig.
In a video statement, Binay expressed her concern for the locals residing in 10 barangays covered by the SC’s decision favoring Taguig City, assuring them that the local government of Makati will coordinate with concerned government agencies to address their needs.
“Sa susunod na mga araw, makikipag-ugnayan at makikipagtulungan ang inyong lingkod at ang city government sa mga kaukulang departamento at ahensya ng national government,” Binay said.
(In the coming days, the city government and I will coordinate and work with the concerned national government departments and agencies.)
“Hahanap kami ng paraan para maipagpatuloy ng Makati ang pagtulong at paglilingkod sa inyo,” she added.
(We will find a way for Makati to continue assisting and serving you.)
In a resolution dated June 26, the SC third division denied the Makati City government’s request to file a second motion for reconsideration regarding its territorial dispute with Taguig.
READ: SC denies Makati’s bid to admit 2nd appeal on territorial dispute with Taguig
On September 28, 2022, the SC third division rejected Makati City’s Omnibus motion seeking reconsideration of its ruling in 2021 and requesting that the case be elevated to its en banc.
The ruling declared that Taguig owns Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, where BGC is situated, and ordered Makati’s city government to stop exercising its authority within the area.
Among the areas included in the court’s decision are Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ headquarters, Consular area, Joint United States Military Assistance Group area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Armed Forces of the Philippines Officers Village and six other near villages.
Binay, however, stressed that Makati’s dispute with Taguig is neither about the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) nor politics but about the welfare of the residents in the said areas.
She likewise expressed concern over thousands of public school students’ future, the health benefits of locals, and senior citizens affected who receive assistance and accessible public services from the Makati government.
Binay pointed out that senior high school students who were supposed to avail scholarships in Makati cannot do so in Taguig since they cannot meet the basic requirement of a three-year residency in the city, among others, based on its guidelines.
She also expressed worry for senior citizens depending on the local government’s distribution of annual cash allowances and other benefits, which aids with their needs.
In line with these, the mayor assures the locals in 10 barangays that Makati City is prepared to help them and encourages affected residents to trust her.
“Mga kapwa ko Makatizen, magsama-sama at maghawak-kamay tayo. Hindi kami susuko. Hindi ako susuko. Bilang inyong Mayora, ipinapangako ko na hanggang sa dulo, hindi ko kayo iiwan. Kapit lang. Walang bibitaw,” she said.
(My fellow Makatizens, let us unite and join hands. We will not give up. I will not give up. As your Mayor, I promise to see this through until the end; I will not abandon you. Just keep on holding on. No one should let go.)