The recent contentious Supreme Court ruling, set to halve Makati’s population and shift jurisdiction to Taguig, has raised concerns over its potential negative impact on Taguig’s financial stability and the political fortunes of the ruling Cayetano family.

At the same time, the decision presents a strategic opportunity for the Binay family from Makati, who could wield the “Embo votes” as a Trojan Horse strategy to conquer Taguig in the upcoming 2025 elections or beyond.

As per the latest 2020 census data, Makati currently houses 629,616 residents, while Taguig boasts 886,722 inhabitants. This demographic shift has the potential to reshape the dynamics of both cities, especially regarding financial matters and the delivery of welfare services to residents.

For Taguig, the prospect of becoming a vote-rich city with over 1.2 million residents is undoubtedly appealing. However, accommodating the needs of hundreds of thousands of residents from Makati’s affected barangays may strain the city’s financial resources. The ruling Cayetano family, who currently holds political power in Taguig, may find themselves attempting to appease “pissed off voters” who have grown reliant on the welfare services provided by the Makati city government.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay has recently shed light on the stark contrast in social services allocations between Makati and the embattled barangays. While these areas contribute a mere 6% to the city’s total revenues, they receive a substantial 60% of the social services budget. Consequently, the potential loss of these comprehensive services may fuel discontent among the newly acquired residents, putting pressure on Taguig’s political landscape.

““Ang ironic po diyan, ang liit po naman ang pondo na nage-generate po namin in terms po ng tax collection sa areas na yan. Sa total revenues po namin, they only contribute 6%. Pero in terms of social services, they comprised up to 60% of our social services. So imagine po, ang liit liit po ng pera na nako-kolekta po namin sa lugar na yon, pero more than half sa social services napupunta sa lugar na yan.”

On the other hand, the Supreme Court’s decision may offer a strategic advantage to the Binay family from Makati. With the “Embo votes” in their arsenal, the Binays could employ a Trojan Horse strategy to infiltrate and potentially conquer Taguig in the forthcoming 2025 elections or in future political battles.

In a candid interview with DZRH, Mayor Binay highlighted the financial burden faced by Taguig in providing for the affected residents. She emphasized that the per capita income allocated by Makati significantly surpasses the estimated income generated by the embattled barangays. Taguig may face challenges in meeting the extensive needs of its new constituents, who have grown accustomed to the welfare services offered by Makati.

The Supreme Court’s decision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both Taguig’s financial well-being and the political standing of the Cayetano family. As the Cayetanos strive to navigate the financial and political challenges, the Binays from Makati may leverage this strategic opportunity to expand their political influence and secure support from the “Embo votes.”

As the transition unfolds, all eyes will be on Taguig’s leadership as they endeavor to maintain political support and address the welfare demands of the affected residents. Meanwhile, the Binays’ political maneuvering could potentially redefine the political landscape, setting the stage for a gripping showdown in 2025 and beyond. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of both cities and their respective ruling families.