Taguig offers free medical services to ‘embo’ residents

MANILA, Philippines — The Taguig City government announced yesterday it would provide free healthcare residents to residents of the enlisted men’s barrios or “embos” after they lost access to Makati’s healthcare services.

“Due to Makati’s sudden closure of its health centers in the ‘embo’ barangays, and its refusal to transfer these facilities to Taguig, Taguig will temporarily provide free teleconsultation services to ‘embo’ residents who have been deprived of Makati’s healthcare services,” Taguig said in a statement.

Taguig also announced that the city government will open its 31 health centers and three superhealth centers to “embo” residents as well as its free dialysis services.

This pronouncement came after Makati announced that “embo” residents are no longer qualified for the city’s subsidized health care services, in compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling in favor of Taguig.

Makati also announced the closure of its health centers and lying-in clinics in the 10 “embo” barangays, citing that their licenses to operate have expired.

Taguig, however, slammed Makati’s explanation to close its medical facilities, claiming that health centers do not need a license to operate.

Taguig also asserted it prepared for the turnover after agreeing with Mayor Abby Binay’s proposal that Taguig will take over the management of the health centers starting Oct. 1, 2023.

Taguig claimed Makati backpedaled from the agreement a few days before the supposed turnover.

‘Don’t blame Makati’

Makati city administrator Claro Certeza called out Taguig for “wrongfully putting the blame on Makati” for the closure of the health centers.

Certeza said Taguig knew that the health centers in the 10 “embo” barangays needed a license to operate. He said the Department of Health even reminded Taguig to apply for the renewal of the licenses.

“What was Taguig’s action? None… The problem with Taguig is that it wants all the perks but none of the responsibilities. It’s about time for Taguig and its leadership to face their responsibilities and do their job,” he said.

In 2023, the SC upheld its 2021 decision, transferring the jurisdiction of the 10 “embo” barangays from Makati to Taguig.

These are Barangays Cembo, South Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside and Rizal.