Taguig stated that as the Makati Park and Garden, situated in the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangay, is a public facility, it is their responsibility to monitor it and ensure its compliance with laws, ordinances, and regulations.
"Government agencies are not exempt from these regulations. They may be exempt from paying regulatory fees, but not from adhering to regulations, including obtaining the appropriate permits. The Makati Garden and Park currently holds no permit, a fact admitted by Makati themselves. This renders its operation illegal. It is disappointing that Makati, instead of setting an example in law and regulation compliance, insists they are not subject to the law and therefore do not need any permit," Taguig declared, publicizing this statement on mainstream and social media.
Taguig also clarified that their rights over all public lots and facilities established in the EMBO barangays are not renounced when Makati alleged that the citation by Taguig's Business Permit and Licensing Office for their lack of a permit to operate the park is an admission that the park doesn't belong to Taguig.
"These lots and facilities remain public, designated for the welfare of the EMBO residents, and Makati doesn't have the right to monopolize ownership or usage of these," the official statement released by Taguig on March 8, 2024, further stated.
Taguig added that the park has long been closed for its original purpose as a leisure area because it was turned into a garage for heavy equipment and a storage area for used decorations and other items by Makati City.
"It has also been revealed that even Makati's private contractors are using the park as their office, garage, and storage area. Makati is deceiving the public by claiming that Taguig is denying people the use of the park. It is Makati who ceased its use as a recreational area and used it for purposes contrary to the state's allotment of the lot. It is against the law to use public facilities for unanticipated purposes, especially if assigned for private entities," Taguig further emphasized.
The city government of Taguig assured that the closure of the park is only temporary, based on the decision of the city's Business Permit and Licensing Office. They stated that it will be used again for its rightful purpose, and they will return the park to the public.
It is noteworthy that the 10 EMBO barangays, including Barangay West Rembo where the Makati Park and Garden is located, were transferred under the jurisdiction of Taguig by the Supreme Court after several years of dispute with Makati City.
(Photo by Dek Terante)
