Makati, Taguig urged to prioritize public service over boundary row — DILG

Makati Science High School

MANILA, Philippines — The cities of Makati and Taguig should set aside their differences and prioritize the welfare of residents in barangays affected by the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision on their boundary dispute,  Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said on Monday. 

Abalos said he had already talked to the mayors of both cities about allegations that Taguig is “forcibly taking over” public schools in affected Makati City barangays

“Well I had a talk with Mayor [Abby] Binay tapos pinuntahan ko rin itong si Mayor Lani Cayetano. Ang issue kasi rito is number one, dapat yung mga tao tuloy tuloy ang serbisyo sa eskwelahan, sa ospital,” Abalos said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City. 

(The number one issue is that school and hospital services to the people are uninterrupted.)

“Importante eskwelahan eh, lalo na itong opening ng klase and they are trying to figure it out na tuloy tuloy. Siguro yung ibang issues saka na lang muna yun, isantabi na lang muna yun. Madali na yun eh,” he added. 

(The schools are important, especially with the approaching opening of the new school year. Let us put other issues aside for the meantime.)

Aside from schools, Abalos also emphasized the need for Taguig and Makati to discuss plans concerning implementing health care services to affected locals. 

He likewise revealed that SC’s ruling would also affect the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection but assured the public that their services would continue. 

Abalos, however, noted that police forces within the affected area might have their cases dismissed if filed in the wrong venue.  

Moreover, he said they already issued a letter to review the effects of the SC ruling to the said agencies. 

Last August 12, Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza claimed that Taguig City enforcers had attempted to “forcibly take possession” of several public elementary and high school buildings — Makati Science High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School and Pitogo High School.

On the same day, the city government of Taguig said Makati’s allegations were “a lie and another desperate attempt to mislead the public.”

gsg/abc