In a recent statement, the Taguig city government has addressed the claims made by Makati Mayor Abby Binay regarding the ongoing territorial dispute between the two cities.

The Taguig government cited a recent Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed their stronger evidence of territorial claim, which was deemed “more convincing and worthier of belief than those proffered by Makati,” according to the court’s ruling.

Mayor Binay, in an interview, stated that the case was still pending and emphasized that Makati had a pending motion with the Supreme Court.

However, Taguig has countered these claims with a scathing response on Facebook, accusing the Makati mayor of spreading fake news and refuting her assertions.

“The case is still pending so hindi pa tapos ang laban,” Mayor Binay said, implying that the fight is not yet over.

She also claimed, “Meron kaming pending motion so we are waiting for the Supreme Court to schedule the hearing on our motion… So hindi pa tapos,” indicating that Makati still has a pending motion with the Supreme Court.

The Taguig government responded with a strongly worded statement, highlighting the inconsistencies in Mayor Binay’s claims and expressing concern over their impact on the integrity of the judicial system.

They stated, “For the record, we have not received any notice from the Court setting the case for oral arguments.” They also pointed out that Mayor Binay herself admitted that the Supreme Court has not acted on Makati’s motion to refer the case to the Supreme Court En Banc.

The government found her claim that they had received a document setting the case for a hearing unsettling, as it could suggest access to confidential information.

“The spokesperson of the Supreme Court himself clarified that no such order has been issued,” Taguig’s statement emphasized, reinforcing the fact that there was no document scheduling the case for a hearing.

The Taguig government expressed disappointment in Mayor Binay’s inaccurate statements, noting that they not only distorted the facts but also had the potential to “tarnish the integrity and independence of the judiciary.” They called on the Supreme Court to take notice of Makati’s claims and consider appropriate action.

“Our legal dispute with Makati has come to an end. However bitter the result may be to the losing party, the final decision must be accepted with good grace,” the Taguig government asserted, emphasizing the importance of accepting the court’s ruling.

The Taguig government also addressed the claims circulating on social media, asserting that the case had reached its conclusion and dismissing the notion that Mayor Binay had discussed it with President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza, and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. They stressed that such claims undermined the probity of the highest officials and eroded public trust in the impartiality of justice.

“Our public officials should refrain from issuing inaccurate statements which serve to validate these false and misleading social media posts and result in the erosion of our confidence in the justice system of the country,” the Taguig government urged. They assured Mayor Binay and the residents of affected barangays that Taguig had its own programs and projects aimed at delivering efficient and timely public services.

“We assure Mayor Binay and the residents of the concerned barangays that Taguig has its own programs and projects which deliver efficient and timely public services aimed at attaining our vision for a transformative, lively, and caring community,” the government stated. They highlighted the importance of generosity and sharing resources within the community.

Taguig emphasized the finality of the Supreme Court decision and urged everyone to adhere to the rule of law, disavow harmful rumors, and maintain faith in the integrity of the justice system.