Makati City slams Taguig's 'forceful attempt' to take over public school buildings in 'embo' barangays

The Makati City local government condemned on Saturday, Aug. 12, Taguig City's forcible takeover of some of its public school buildings in the contested barangays of the two local government units (LGUs) following the Supreme Court's (SC's) decision on the boundary dispute between the two cities.

In a statement released by Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza, several "enforcers" allegedly belonging to Taguig's Public Safety Department "attempted to forcibly take possession of several public elementary and high school buildings in the barangays adversely affected by the Supreme Court decision. These 'enforcers', who did not possess any writ of execution or any other lawful order, created unnecessary tension in these areas."

Certeza called Taguig's action as "an act of duplicity and bad faith."

"Earlier, the city government of Taguig wrote the city of Makati requesting discussions for a smooth transition. Makati has already created a transition team headed by the undersigned  to sit down with Taguig. We were ready to offer arrangements that would benefit the students. But Taguig apparently was not sincere and was in reality intent on using force," the official said.

"We also wish to inform Taguig that these public schools are properties owned by the City of Makati. The improvements were paid for by the City of Makati. The decision of the Supreme Court involved a boundary dispute. It did not transfer to Taguig ownership of properties owned by the City of Makati," he added.

 The city government of Makati City said it will file appropriate criminal and administrative charges against those involved.
 
"Taguig’s attempt to unlawfully enter and take possession of properties owned by Makati shall be treated as a criminal act and Makati shall be constrained to institute the appropriate criminal and administrative cases," Certeza stressed.

The 14 public schools located in the affected barangays in District 2 are 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, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School.

On July 17, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay affirmed her commitment to Makatizens residing in the area encompassing the city's second district and vowed to cooperate fully with the national government to settle the city's land dispute with the Taguig local government.

"Kahit na nakatali ang aking kamay, bilang inyong mayora ay handa akong ipagpatuloy ang paglilingkod sa inyo. Handa ako at ang inyong city government na tulungan kayo saan man kayo mapunta, kayo ay mananatiling mga Makatizen (Even if my hands are tied, as your mayor, I am ready to continue serving you. The city government and I are prepared to help you wherever you may go. You will remain Makatizens)," Binay said in a video message released on July 17.

Last April 3, the SC affirmed the 2021 decision declaring that Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and 10 barangays in the second district of Makati City were under the jurisdiction of the Taguig City government. The 10 barangays include Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside.

 The 2021 ruling, written by Justice Ricardo R. Rosario, was said to be based on the "historical, documentary, and testimonial evidence."

On April 4, the Makati City local government asked the SC to reconsider its decision by filing an omnibus motion. The statement highlighted "constitutional issues" and "far-reaching consequences on the businesses and social services in Makati and Taguig."

The SC upheld the 2021 ruling on April 27.