Allegedly, staff from the Traffic Management Office of Taguig City attempted to enter Makati Park and set up a tent yesterday morning, which was foiled by the guards of Makati City Park, employed by Makati City Hall.
The police and traffic enforcers promptly responded to ensure peace amidst the continuing jurisdictional issue over public properties in the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangays.
The city government of Makati issued a statement declaring that the Makati Park is part of Makati's assets, funded by the taxes of the people of Makati.
"In October last year, Makati City filed an Urgent Motion before Branch 153 of the Regional Trial Court of Taguig to issue a status quo order against Taguig City, citing a number of attempts made by the latter to forcibly take possession of Makati-owned facilities in the 10 EMBO barangays. These included attempts to enter the premises of a housing project owned by Makati and seize several school buildings and health centers in the affected barangays," part of the statement by Makati City read.
Today, March 2, 2024, Taguig City has released a statement in response, stating that Makati City has been unlawfully collecting taxes from land and businesses in the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangays for over three decades.
"The Supreme Court has already resolved this issue. Makati has no right to accuse Taguig of land-grabbing. The Supreme Court itself said that Makati illegally usurped and occupied the 10 EMBO barangays for over three decades. Makati has no credibility to feign being robbed of land and facilities when they are the ones proven to have usurped Taguig's territory," the statement of the city government of Taguig read.
"Instead of Mayor Abby Binay continuing her deliberate sabotage and showing spite in everything she does, it would be better to start the process of acceptance and prioritize public interest," Taguig City added.
The ten EMBO barangays, including the entirety of Fort Bonifacio, Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, Pembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, Rizal, South Cembo, and West Rembo, have been officially ruled by the Supreme Court to be owned by Taguig City, not Makati City.
(Screenshots from the videos of Jayson Pulga and Dek Terante)
(Art cards from the Makati City and Taguig City governments)
