Metro Manila — The decades-long territorial tussle between Makati and Taguig seems a bit far from its final chapter, as Makati is poised to put up a fight against Taguig’s effort to take control of ten barangays, with the city government warning of potential criminal and administrative charges against Taguig for its “unlawful attempt to take possession of properties owned by Makati.”

The dispute, which has spanned years, has left both cities entangled in a legal battle for territorial supremacy. However, recent developments suggest that the feud is not over yet. According to the administrator of the Supreme Court (SC), Taguig needs to secure a Writ of Execution from the court before it can effectively gain jurisdiction over the contested barangays.

On Tuesday, Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza revealed a document that shed light on the ongoing jurisdiction transfer. The document, dated August 14 and signed by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 64 Executive Judge Gina M. Bibat-Palamos, included a response from the Office of the Court of Administrator. This response highlighted the need for a Writ of Execution before the trial court of origin, as the basis for the jurisdictional shift.

SC Administrator Raul Villanueva emphasized that the transfer of jurisdiction hinges on the implementation of the Writ of Execution by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Once this is accomplished, the transfer of cases stemming from the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, including Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031, from Makati City to Taguig will be set in motion.

Villanueva further clarified that ongoing cases before the first and second-level courts in Makati should remain under the purview of these courts.

Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza took the opportunity to criticize the Taguig government for allegedly sidestepping the rule of law. The backdrop of this criticism was Taguig’s launch of the annual Brigada Eskwela at Makati Science High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, and Fort Bonifacio High School—all situated in the disputed territory.

Certeza stated, “Their unlawful entry in our public schools without securing the necessary legal processes clearly demonstrates a lack of respect for established procedures and the principle of jurisdiction.” He added that Taguig should prioritize adhering to the rule of law to avoid confusion among parents and students, as well as undue tension in the affected barangays.

Expressing determination to safeguard its interests, Makati City issued a stern warning that criminal and administrative charges could be brought against Taguig. The charges would stem from what Makati perceives as Taguig’s improper attempt to take control of properties owned by Makati.

While the territorial dispute has fueled tensions, the upcoming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections bring another layer of complexity. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia noted that while the poll body can easily transfer Makati’s database to Taguig, coordination with other government agencies is necessary to ensure smooth election proceedings.

“We are awaiting the latest update from the Supreme Court. The Comelec will provide its final plan of action by next week,” Garcia remarked, highlighting the ongoing intricacies involved in resolving the territorial tangle.

The clash over territorial supremacy continues to captivate residents and observers alike, with many Makati netizens expressing satisfaction that Taguig’s path to gaining control might not be as straightforward as initially anticipated. Hopes are high that the effecting of the takeover and the implementation of the Writ of Execution will be drawn out over years, prolonging the decades-old dispute in the public eye.