A heated territorial dispute between Makati City and Taguig City has taken a contentious turn, with accusations and denials flying between the two local governments. The latest incident involves an alleged attempt by an officer from the Taguig Traffic Management Office (TMO) to forcibly enter Makati Park and Garden, leading to a strong denouncement from Makati City officials.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Makati City government accused Taguig of attempting to seize property "legally owned and titled to the City of Makati." The statement suggested that Taguig's actions were an encroachment on investments made by the citizens of Makati through their taxes.
"They want to seize properties they do not own. They want to indulge themselves in the investments made by the city government of Makati that were funded by the taxes of the citizens of Makati," the Makati government asserted.
Taguig, however, countered these claims, citing a Supreme Court decision that, according to them, settled the matter. "The Supreme Court has already decided on this. Makati has no right to accuse Taguig of illegally seizing properties," Taguig stated emphatically.
The dispute centers around the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, specifically parcels 3 and 4, psu-2031, and the 10 barangays, with the Supreme Court's 2021 decision favoring Taguig City. Despite the legal resolution, tensions persist, with both sides trading barbs over credibility and the alleged seizure of territory.
Makati officials further escalated the rhetoric, calling on their Taguig counterparts to focus on addressing the basic needs of their constituents rather than engaging in what Makati perceives as land-grabbing tactics. The Makati government specifically highlighted the reported deficiencies in health services and benefits for residents of EMBO, urging Taguig to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
"If only Taguig would display the same zeal in improving their services to their constituents. Reklamo ng mga taga EMBO na kulang-kulang ang health services at benefits at hindi maayos ang sistema ng pagtulong sa mga may sakit at senior citizens. Ito dapat ang unahin nila. Unahin ang mamamayan, hindi ang pangangamkam," the Makati City government urged.
In response, Taguig defended its track record, stating that it has already established health centers, pharmacies, and assistance centers in various areas despite what they described as "continuous sabotage." The ongoing feud reflects the deep-seated animosity between the two cities, with each side standing firm on its claims and defending its actions.
As this territorial dispute continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether legal resolutions or diplomatic negotiations will pave the way for a peaceful resolution between Makati and Taguig.
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