Court orders turnover of ‘embo’ facilities to Taguig

MANILA, Philippines — A Taguig court has ordered the city government of Makati to stop obstructing Taguig’s access to public facilities in the 10 enlisted men’s barrios or “embo” barangays.

In a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued on May 5, Judge Loralie Cruz Datahan of the Taguig Regional Trial Court directed Makati to stop denying Taguig entry to and control of government properties in Barangays Cembo, South Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside.

The facilities include health centers, covered courts, multi-purpose buildings, day care centers, parks and other public properties.

In 2022, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the embo barangays are under Taguig’s jurisdiction.

In a statement, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano welcomed the court order, saying “it would ensure that embo residents regain access to vital services.”

Makati slams Taguig

The local government of Makati decried the takeover of its health centers in the embo barangays by the Taguig government.

Makati administrator Claro Certeza said the court order did not allow the city to present its side and accused Taguig of ignoring both legal processes and the welfare of embo residents.

“Taguig had two years to build their own health centers, but failed to do so,” Certeza said, adding that the SC ruling was about jurisdiction and not ownership.

He said Makati would pursue all legal remedies to protect its rights and hold Taguig officials accountable.