Aspiring barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates belonging to the disputed "embo" barangays are calling for an "orderly transition" between the Makati and Taguig local governments.
"Sana po ay maging maayos po ang transition na hinihiling ng lungsod ng Makati (We hope the transition from Makati will be orderly)," West Rembo Barangay Chairman candidate Niño Cunanan, on behalf of his fellow candidates, told the press on Monday, Aug. 28.
He also said they wished the transition of Comelec from Makati to Taguig, especially in regards to the upcoming Barangay and SK elections (BSKE), will also be done in an organized and smooth manner.
"Hindi po sana maapektuhan bawat presinto at mga eskwelahan kung saan po sila dapat bumoto (We hope the precincts and schools where people will vote will not be affected)," he added.
The barangay and SK election period began on Aug. 28, with thousands of candidates flocking to Comelec offices to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COC).
Cunanan said his fellow BSKE candidates filed their COCs in Taguig City, in adherence to the 2021 Supreme Court (SC) ruling, upheld by the SC on April 27 despite Makati's omnibus motion appeal on April 4. The decision affirmed Taguig's jurisdiction over 10 'embo' barangays previously belonging to Makati.
Amid the escalating dispute between the two cities, notably in the recent issues on school supplies and alleged overtaking of public schools in the area, Cunanan shared that the affected residents in the 10 barangays are asking for a "people's initiative," where "each citizen is able to choose which city they want to be a part of."
The residents are also hoping for the Taguig City government to match the benefits that the Makati City government was able to provide them in the past, Cunanan added.
The filing of COCs for the BSKE will be held until Sept. 2, with the campaign period from Oct. 19 to 28.
The BSKE will be held on Oct. 30. A gun ban is in place until Nov. 29.