In a spirited display of unity, residents of the embattled EMBO barangays in Makati took to the streets in a massive motorcade, shouting a resounding “No to Taguig, Makati pa rin!”

Their message was clear: they remain staunch Makatizens despite a controversial Supreme Court ruling affirming Taguig’s jurisdiction over ten EMBO barangays, home to over 320,000 residents.

Social media has become the battleground for these defiant Makatizens. On Facebook and various other platforms, hashtags like #ProudMakatizens, #DefendMakati, #MakatiForever, and more have flooded timelines. These digital battle cries have given voice to the frustration and determination of those unwilling to accept Taguig’s territorial claims.

The plan for the EMBO barangays’ motorcade emerged on Facebook, particularly within the Rizal Pembo Comembo East Rembo Online Community group. Organizers urged volunteer riders to don white or blue shirts and masks, emphasizing that neither the city government nor any barangay had any official involvement.

In a post, group admin Hector Santos stated, “Pwede rin pong mag-bike, e-bike, lakad. Sa mga gusto makiisa, pwedeng pwede po sumama. Wala pinipili at pinipilit po dito.”

The turnout was nothing short of impressive, with an estimated hundreds, if not thousands, of riders participating to reaffirm their Makati identity. Queen Zee, an Embo resident and Facebook user, boldly declared, “Laban Makatizen #DefendMakati. Motorcade part 2 is waiving.”

This event came on the heels of a fiery verbal exchange between Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, primarily regarding the latter’s takeover of 14 Makati schools. In an attempt to defuse the situation, Vice President Sara Duterte, wearing her hat as the concurrent Department of Education secretary, issued Memorandum No. 23-2023, directing the Department of Education to assume direct authority over schools in the EMBO barangays.

Videos from the motorcade flooded social media, revealing the passionate support from residents, brandishing placards proclaiming “No to Taguig, Makati Forever!” The motorcade itself unfolded across the affected 10 barangays and even spilled onto Lawton Avenue and select areas of Taguig.

As this spirited motorcade reverberated through the streets, and the verbal sparring between Makatizens and Taguiginos continued, rumors swirled about Abby Binay considering a mayoral run in Taguig. With hundreds of new Makati voters now residing there, could a member of the influential Binay clan pose a substantial challenge to the Cayetanos in the political arena? The question hangs tantalizingly in the air, leaving many to wonder about the future of Taguig’s political landscape.

In the midst of these turbulent times, one thing is certain: the EMBO barangays’ motorcade served as a powerful reminder that the spirit of Makati runs deep in the hearts of its residents, no matter what jurisdictional disputes may arise. “No to Taguig, Makati pa rin!” remains their unwavering battle cry.