Former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado has urged both the Taguig City and Makati City governments to work for a smooth transition and implementation of a Supreme Court (SC) decision mandating that the 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where the Bonifacio Global City is located and several barangays in Makati City are under the jurisdiction of Taguig City.
Mercado made the appeal after SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka announced that the High Tribunal has dismissed the omnibus petition of the Makati government requesting that the land dispute case be appealed before the SC en banc for to lack of merit.
The SC stressed that since the tribunal has already issued a final and executory decision, it will no longer accept any pleadings, motions, letters or any communication concerning the case.
In its decision, the high court declared that the territory in question was under the jurisdiction of Taguig based on historical, documentary and testimonial evidence. The 729-hectare, which was subject of the case and declared to be part of Taguig, covered Fort Bonifacio, Barangay Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo and Pitogo as well as the Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ headquarters, Consular area, JUSMAG area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, AFP Officers Village and six other adjacent villages.
“Considering the historical evidence adduced, cadastral surveys submitted, and the contemporaneous acts of lawful authorities, we find that Taguig presented evidence that is more convincing and worthier of belief than those proffered by Makati,” the SC decision stated.
The ruling also directed Makati City to shoulder the expenses incurred in the land dispute case.
For its part, the Taguig City government said resolution of the legal battle would mark a new chapter for those affected by the land dispute.
“Our victory in the courts of law is not merely a vindication of our rights. It is equally a command for us to make good use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand our brand of committed public service to new constituents. We welcome our new Taguigeños with this solemn promise,” the Taguig government said in a statement.
Taguig City remained hopeful that Makati City will cooperate for the smooth transition of the affected barangays to ensure continuous public service and for the benefit of former residents of Makati who will now be called Taguigeños.
