BGC belongs to Taguig, SC rules

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the decision of the Pasig Regional Trial Court that the disputed 729-hectare Bonifacio Global City, including some barangays in Makati, is within the territory of Taguig.

In a 53-page decision promulgated on Dec. 1, 2021 but released to the public only yesterday, the SC’s Third Division denied the petition filed by the Makati government and ruled that BGC belongs to Taguig.

The high tribunal upheld and modified the July 8, 2011 ruling of Pasig Judge Briccio Ygana.

“The Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, consisting of Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031, is part of the territory of the city of Taguig,” the SC decision read.

The SC also ruled that the writ of preliminary injunction dated Aug. 2, 1994 issued by the lower court, explicitly referring to Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031, comprising Fort Bonifacio, be made permanent.

The SC enjoined the city of Makati from exercising jurisdiction over, making improvements on or otherwise treating Fort Bonifacio as part of its territorial jurisdiction.

“We deny the petition on substantial grounds. While we agree with Makati on its assertion that the Court of Appeals erred in dismissing its motion because of forum shopping, we find that in the end, Taguig was able to prove its cause of action by the requisite preponderance of evidence,” the SC said.

The high court ordered the Makati government to pay the cost of the suit.

The SC decision was penned by Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario.