Taguig hits back: Makati’s proposed MOA ‘shamelessly violates’ deal with DOH

Photo from Taguig PIO

MANILA, Philippines — Taguig City stressed on Monday that Makati City’s proposed memorandums of agreement (MOA) for the “smooth transfer” of healthcare facilities and patient data is a violation of their ownership claims deal with the health department.

Taguig’s statement was in response to Makati Administrator Claro Certeza’s statement on Sunday claiming Taguig’s “unreasonable” rejection of the proposed MOA and how it is “adamant” about taking over their hospitals and healthcare facilities.

According to the statement issued by Taguig, the proposals were anchored on a “false premise that they [Makati City] own the land and the health centers built thereon.”

READ: Taguig-Makati land row flares up over schools

It cited an alleged violation of their deal with the Department of Health (DOH) prohibiting ownership claims on lands and buildings while the transition discussions are still in progress.

“This ‘unwavering stance’ that the land and facilities built thereon ‘unequivocally remain firmly under the purview of the City Government of Makati’ shamelessly violates the agreement with the DOH for both Makati and Taguig NOT to take up ownership claims of the land and buildings while the transition discussions are on-going so as not to derail the prime objective of a smooth transition of jurisdiction from Makati to Taguig,” it said.

The city further stated that if Makati was sincere with its initiative to swiftly turnover the facilities, then “it should have already rejected the DOH’s plea that the issue of ownership should be set aside at this point of the transition.”

“Makati took DOH and Taguig for a ride as Makati had no intention all along to negotiate unless Taguig yields first to Makati’s baseless claim of ownership,” it furthered.

READ: Taguig: Feud with Makati over 14 public schools ends, thanks to DepEd’s transition panel

Taguig likewise said that Mayor Lani Cayetano did not reject any proposal from Makati in regard to ownership of Ospital ng Makati.

“As regards Ospital ng Makati, the press release itself noted that Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano never rejected any proposal from Makati but only deferred to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa who, the DOH Regional Director said, would take the lead in any discussions regarding Ospital ng Makati,” it said.

“These kinds of deceptive and manipulative behavior from public officials weaken public trust and must not be tolerated. We ask all responsible members of the media to scrutinize and dig deeper into any self-serving propaganda it receives from all parties.”

The city further asserted its “superior legal claim” to the ownership of the areas under discussion.

“To be clear, Taguig has far superior legal claim to the ownership of the land and the improvements thereon. Makati has no title to the lots, and indeed has not shown the public the titles that should support its claim,” Taguig said.

“The City of Taguig, despite the persistent attempts of Makati officials to mislead the public, will continue to do what is right by the law and with the welfare of the people in its mind,” it added.

JPV/abc