(File Photo)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Wednesday, August 16, that transition teams are already in place to work on the territorial change of 10 Makati barangays which were declared by the Supreme Court (SC) as part of Taguig’s jurisdiction.
The initial focus of the transition is the preparation for the incoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set on October 30, 2023.
In line with this, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the department is working closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to assist the affected barangays.
“COMELEC Chairman George Garcia and I agree that it’s imperative to take action because there’s not much time left before the elections. We respect the Supreme Court’s definition of the cities’ territorial boundaries and are coordinating accordingly,” said the DILG Chief.
The DILG is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for the revision of their respective areas of responsibility following the decided territorial boundaries.
Secretary Abalos likewise sought to clarify that all of the actions initiated by the DILG will only cover matters related to the supervision of the concerned territories.
“As for specific rights or obligations over affected property, these will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure provided by law. We will also respect any further court orders in this regard,” said Abalos.
“My impression is that they both care deeply for their constituency. We share the same paramount consideration – the best interest of the affected people,” he added, referring to the local chief executives of the involved city governments.
In September 2022, the SC rendered its final and executory decision on the legal territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation which consists of Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031.
The SC earlier denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Makati City government, affirming that Taguig has the legal and historic rights to the said territories.
To date, the local government of Taguig is initially seeking relevant data from Makati to extend the delivery of essential social services to its new constituents.
This includes the list of senior citizens and persons with disabilities for the provision of benefits, residents with serious medical conditions for the dispensation of direct healthcare services, taxpayers for the availment of lower tax rates, and the streets of EMBO barangays for the wider implementation of the No Number Coding policy of Taguig.
“We reiterate that we heartily welcome our new constituents. We will work even harder to expand and improve the services we deliver for our new residents,” said the city government of Taguig in a statement. (DILG/PIA-NCR)
