The Makati City government will continue to manage and supervise the public schools in the 10 barangays covered by a Supreme Court decision on its boundary dispute with the City of Taguig.
In response to a query, Supreme Court Administrator Raul Villanueva said Taguig City needs to obtain a writ of execution to transfer jurisdiction over the 10 barangays from Makati City.
“When the said writ has been implemented by the Department of Interior and Local Government, then that is the reckoning period for the transfer of jurisdiction of cases emanating from the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, consisting of Parcels 3 and 4, Psu-2031, from Makati City to the City of Taguig,” stated Villanueva.
Once the writ has been executed, the transfer of jurisdiction can take place, he said.
Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said this response from the Supreme Court administrator has “provided a clear path forward.”
“Makati will continue to manage and supervise the affected schools until the necessary legal processes have been completed,” he said.
Certeza was referring to the 14 public schools located in the affected barangays in District 2: Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School.
Villanueva further stated that “all cases currently filed and pending before the first and second level courts in Makati City should continue to be tried, heard, and decided by the said courts.”
On Monday, Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano launched the annual Brigada Eskwela in Makati Science High School and visited Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and Fort Bonifacio High School. All three schools are located within the disputed territories.
“It is evident that Taguig did not adhere to and disregarded the rule of law by not waiting for a writ of execution. 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,” Certeza said.
Certeza appealed to Taguig officials to adhere to the rule of law to avoid confusion among parents and students and unnecessary tension in barangays affected by the SC decision.
He said the city may file criminal and administrative charges against Taguig for its unlawful attempt to take possession of properties owned by Makati.
Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said Taguig has yet to secure a writ of execution from the court of origin.
She also said Department of Education Memorandum Order 2023-735 only addresses the transfer of management and supervision of the 14 affected public schools, not the transfer of ownership.
The mayor reiterated that these public schools are titled to Makati and were constructed using the city’s funds, underscoring the importance of upholding established property rights.
Earlier, Mayor Binay proposed a status quo arrangement where Makati would continue its services in the affected schools. This proposal aims to alleviate worries among students and parents and avoid disruption in school operations, she said.
The Taguig City government on Tuesday appealed to Makati City officials to stop sabotaging the transition with fake news and false narratives, and instead focus on real public service.
Cayetano accused Certeza of being a liar when he claimed that in July, Taguig rejected an offer to provide free school supplies, uniforms, and shoes to students affected by a Supreme Court decision.
“It seems that Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza is spreading false information about Taguig City,” said Cayetano, adding that Certeza was not even present during the meeting where the supposed offer was made.
Cayetano said she requested the said meeting with the Department of Education to ensure that services to students, teachers, and staff would not be disrupted.