Taguig on Binay’s worries over ex-Makati residents’ benefits: ‘Irrelevant’

Bonifacio Global City  (INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The city of Taguig on Thursday took offense over Makati city Mayor Abby Binay’s assertions that Taguig would not be able to match the benefits provided by Makati to its residents.

This comes after Supreme Court (SC) resolved the territorial dispute between the two cities in favor of Taguig.

The third division of SC previously denied Makati’s request to file a second motion for reconsideration regarding its row with Taguig.

It declared Taguig owns Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where Bonifacio Global City is located.

High Court also ordered Makati to stop exercising authority over the area.

In a speech after the ruling was handed down, Binay expressed concern that some former Makati residents, who are now under Taguig’s jurisdiction, would not anymore be able to receive benefits from her local government unit.

She pointed to public school students and senior citizens as examples.

In response, Taguig chided Binay for her speech.

“The nobility of the concession speech is severely dented by the uncharitable and unfounded remark that the City of Taguig is either incapable of promoting the welfare of the new Taguig residents or else is being untruthful as to its intentions,” it said in a statement.

“While we understand the sentiments of Mayor Binay on the transfer of administration and its implications on the lives of the residents of the ten barangays, the issues that she raised in her statement are ultimately irrelevant and only tend to obstruct the achievement of an orderly transition,” Taguig added.

Taguig, whose mayor is Lani Cayetano, said new residents they will be cared for by the city.

It guaranteed they will get benefits from the local government’s education programs.

“Instead of spreading false scenarios which only foster anxiety and distrust, Taguig and Makati should aim for a common goal — the welfare of the residents of the (concerned) barangays,” it added.

Aside from BGC, the places covered by SC’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 villages.

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