Taguig closes Makati Park and Garden for allegedly lacking mayor’s permit

MANILA, Philippines — Makati Park and Garden, a riverfront park along Pasig River under the jurisdiction of Taguig City, is currently inaccessible to the public after its local government temporarily closed it on Sunday “for operating without the necessary permits.”

According to Taguig, the permit is required under the Local Government Code, jurisprudence, and local ordinances covering any business or trade within the city.

“The said park and garden, which has been effectively closed as a park by Makati and used as a garage for its heavy equipment and storage for various objects, is subject to Taguig’s jurisdiction, which has the right to possess and administer the same, notwithstanding Makati’s unlawful possession,” Taguig said in a statement.

In response, the Makati City government called Taguig’s move “inhumane and ungodly,” adding that the closure trapped employees inside.

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“This morning, just a few hours the Taguig local government served a closure order on Makati Park for not having a business permit and padlocked the park’s gate, trapping Makati employees inside,” Makati said in a separate statement.

“Personnel from the Taguig POSO began massing up in front of the park. We received information that they will once again attempt to occupy Makati Park,” it noted.

“Should there be violence, it will be in Taguig’s hands,” Makati warned.

Moreover, Makati pointed out that Taguig authorities “should be censured by the concerned national agencies.”

At the same time, Makati vowed to protect and preserve “its property.”

“Taguig revealed its true face today. Taguig is a bully. They are claiming something that is not theirs. And they are twisting the law to use force to get a property already owned by another,” the Makati City government said.

“The use of violence to seize something that is not owned is inhumane and ungodly. This violates the law,” it added in Filipino.