SC on Fort Bonifacio land dispute: Makati and Taguig should act for the residents
THE Supreme Court has decided with finality on the disputed 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where the Bonifacio Global City is and some other barangays in Makati City are under the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City.
In a two-page resolution, the high court gave credence to the historical, documentary and testimonial evidence presented by Taguig.
“We find that Taguig presented evidence that is more convincing and worthier of belief than those proffered by Makati,” the Supreme Court stated in its resolution.
The legal battle between Makati and Taguig over the territory in question lasted for three decades.
The case was first heard in the Regional Trial Court and then before the Court of Appeals until it reached the Supreme Court which has decided and recognized that Taguig City is the rightful local government who has jurisdiction over the territory in question.
Now that the legal battle is over, the residents in the middle of the two conflicting LGUs are hoping their situation will soon be fixed to ensure continuous public service.
I agree with the appeal of former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado when he released a statement directly pertaining to the local government of Makati and Taguig to respect the decision of the Supreme Court being the “final arbiter of the law,” and for the local government officials to work together for a “smooth transition” and orderly transfer of affected residents who were previously Makati residents but will now become legitimate Taguigeños.
It is clear that Taguig City now covers Fort Bonifacio including 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 villages adjacent to it.
Now that the legal battle is over, the residents in the middle of the two conflicting LGUs are hoping their situation will soon be fixed to ensure continuous public service