A new chapter

What now?This has been the nagging question among many Makati residents and business operators after the Supreme Court decided with finality that parts of Makati are now part of Taguig City.

The SC last month affirmed its 2021 decision which declared the 729-hectare Bonifacio Global City complex and several barangays in Makati City as owned by the Taguig City government.

It held that based on historical, documentary and testimonial evidence, the contested areas fall within the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City.

It declared as permanent the 1994 injunction issued by the Pasig City RTC which stopped the Makati City government from exercising jurisdiction over, making improvements on, or otherwise treating as part of its territory Parcels 3 and 4, Psu 2031, comprising Fort Bonifacio, including the so-called Inner Fort comprising of Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo and Pitogo.

The Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ headquarters, Consular area, JUSMAG area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, AFP Officers Village and the six villages are situated in the said areas.

The SC explained that considering the historical evidence adduced, cadastral surveys submitted, and the contemporaneous acts of lawful authorities, Taguig presented evidence that is more convincing and worthier of belief than those proffered by Makati.

In a statement, the Taguig City government said it welcomed the SC’s final ruling on the issue as it pointed out that the end of the dispute between the two cities marks the start of a new chapter for Taguig and its people.

It explained that in a way, Taguig is not the only victor in this legal contest and that in a bigger sense, with both parties putting their trust in the legal system, it is the rule of law which prevailed.

It emphasized that its victory in the courts of law is not merely a vindication of their rights but is equally a command for them to make good use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand its brand of committed public service to new constituents, as it welcomed the new Taguigeños.

Taguig officials pointed out that over the past decade, the city government has proven what could be collectively achieved, noting that Taguig has been transformed into a progressive city, grounded in caring for all sectors and levels of its society.

They promised to work even harder to expand and improve the services it provides its constituents.

But the immediate task at hand, the Taguig city government said, is to work on the transition without hampering public service.  It said it will work hand in hand with its good neighbor, the City of Makati, as it assumes new responsibilities, conscious that the benefits of this monumental legal victory should redound to all the barangays of Taguig and to all sectors of the city.

Makati has filed a second motion to elevate the case to SC en banc after its motion for reconsideration with the SC division that issued the controversial ruling was denied.

It explained that the decision involves constitutional issues that need to be addressed by the entire court. In a statement, the Makati City local government said not only will the decision have far-reaching consequences on the operation and stability of businesses in the affected areas, it could also prejudice the right to vote and the access to vital social services of both Makati and Taguig residents.

For its part, Taguig City stressed that the decision is now final and executory as confirmed by the SC spokesperson and the decision itself provides that no further motions, pleadings, letters or communication will be entertained. Thereafter, an entry of judgment was issued by the SC.

Taguig City called on all parties to respect the decision which the SC rendered after decades of litigation.

For many Makati residents, the SC ruling was a big blow. They enjoy a number of benefits and perks, which was the envy of residents of other Metro Manila cities and municipalities.

The University of Makati and Ospital ng Makati, both of which provide subsidized services to Makati residents, are inside the contested area. Will the fact that the property on which they are located are now part of Taguig have an impact on the delivery of services?

Senior citizens who are residents of Makati receive allowances and cash benefits. For those who are now Taguig residents, will they be enjoying the same benefits from Taguig?

Who knows? With the additional income which Taguig will be generating from the new properties and businesses now under its fold, maybe, the former Makatizens have nothing to fear.

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