Makati City, Philippines – Things seem to continue to become more intense between Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano as their ongoing political feud has escalated from notebooks to an unexpected showdown of bags.

Mayor Binay, determined to show her unwavering support for the parents and students of 10 embattled Makati barangays facing a controversial Supreme Court-mandated transfer to Taguig, paid a visit to Pembo Elementary School. Her mission? To distribute school supplies and randoseru bags to the students who are caught in the middle of this jurisdictional tug-of-war.

For those not familiar with randoseru bags, they are a type of school bag with a storied history, traditionally used by school children in Japan for well over a century. These iconic bags are known for their square design and robust leather craftsmanship, making them highly recognizable and distinctive. Randoseru bags have also become a common sight in Japanese TV shows and anime series, cementing their cultural significance.

In contemporary Japan, randoseru bags have evolved to meet modern fashion sensibilities. Japanese brands now offer randoseru bags in an array of colors, varying grades of leather, and other materials, all while adhering to the classic square-like design. These bags have become a symbol of both tradition and style in Japan and beyond.

Returning to the spirited distribution event, Mayor Binay’s playful remark, “Sorry ha, kaylangan lang nating magmayabang, kunti lang…” as she unveiled the randoseru bags, added an unexpected layer of humor and political flair to the occasion. Her constituents, who reportedly hold these bags in high regard, couldn’t contain their excitement as they cheered and clapped.

But as Binay jokingly remarked, “Hindi ‘to eco-bag. Hindi tayo namimigay ng eco-bag,” taking a subtle jab at Mayor Cayetano’s alleged distribution of cheap and easily damaged eco-bags to Taguig students.

The mood, however, quickly shifted, laughter turned to somber reflection, as Binay confided, “Eto na ang ating remembrance para sa inyo,” alluding to the ongoing transition that involves transferring ten Makati barangays, home to over 320,000 residents, to Taguig.

She added, “Baka wala na. ‘Di ako sure, malay natin…” leaving her constituents with a glimmer of hope, despite the uncertainty of their future residency.

This isn’t the first time Mayor Binay has made headlines recently. She addressed rumors about her potential mayoral bid in Taguig for the upcoming local elections, sparking intrigue about whether this move is her way of getting back at the Cayetanos, who currently hold power in Taguig.

In a candid ambush interview, Binay coyly admitted, “That is an option. Pero hindi pa po ako nakakapag-desisyon dahil magiging mabigat at mahirap na task ang tumakbo sa Taguig pagkat una, hindi po ako familiar sa lugar.”

Last week, Mayor Cayetano, when asked about Makati’s school supplies, confidently stated, “Alin ba ‘to, eto ba yong mga notebooks na may mukha niya? Yong may mukha nung mayor?” referring to Makati Mayor Abby Binay.

However, some netizens took to social media to share videos showcasing school supplies adorned with the mayor Cayetano’s face, seemingly shedding light on the matter of hypocrisy.