August 16, 2023

Today, Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos reported that the DILG is already working with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to prepare Taguig City’s new barangays for the upcoming barangay elections scheduled on October 30, 2023. In September 2022, the Supreme Court had rendered a final decision in the case of Makati v. Taguig, confirming the “Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, consisting of Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031,” as part of Taguig City, rather than Makati City.

Abalos noted that on May 3, 2023, the DILG had written to the Supreme Court requesting guidance in the implementation of the decision with respect to the affected barangays. While awaiting further instructions from the Court, Abalos said the DILG had already activated transition teams to deal with the territorial change. Abalos said,“COMELEC Chairman George Garcia and I agree that it’s imperative to take action because there’s not much time left before the elections. We respect the Supreme Court’s definition of the cities’ territorial boundaries and are coordinating accordingly. ”

With respect to the DILG’s attached agencies, Abalos added,“We’re working with the Chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to revise the areas of responsibility and reporting lines of their affected local offices, in light of the decided boundaries.”

Abalos clarified that the above actions would cover only matters of territorial supervision.“As for specific rights or obligations over affected property, these will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure provided by law. We will also respect any further court orders in this regard.”

“My impression is that they both care deeply for their constituency. We share the same paramount consideration – the best interest of the affected people.”

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Helping-COMELEC-Prepare-Taguigs-New-Barangays-for-Upcoming-Elections/NC-2023-1144