A TAGUIG City trial court has granted a writ of preliminary injunction, allowing the city government to maintain control over public facilities in the enlisted men’s barrio (EMBO) and continue providing essential services such as healthcare, wellness, and recreation to residents.
In a 7-page ruling issued on May 22, 2025, Judge Mariam Bien of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 153 prohibited the Makati City government and its representatives from restricting access to government properties within the contested communities, including health centers, covered courts, daycare centers, and other essential facilities.
The decision enables the Taguig local government to continue operating the affected facilities and delivering services, in line with the 2021 Supreme Court verdict that recognized the EMBO barangays as part of Taguig's jurisdiction.
The preliminary injunction will remain in effect pending final resolution of the territorial dispute between the two cities.
The injunction follows an earlier 17-day extension of the temporary restraining order issued by RTC Branch 163 on May 8, underscoring the urgency of ensuring the continuity of services in the area.
During the May 2025 hearing, Taguig presented testimonies from barangay captains and residents of the EMBOs, who stated that Makati had closed public health centers, denying residents—especially senior citizens—access to vital services.
The court noted that denial of basic services constituted “grave injustice and irreparable injury” to the residents of the EMBO communities.
It emphasized that the writ of preliminary injunction does not resolve the main case, but serves as a temporary measure to prevent further harm while litigation is going on. “To safeguard Makati’s rights, in case it is determined that the injunction was improperly issued, Taguig is required to post an additional bond of P50 million on top of the P20 million it had already submitted,” the ruling stated.
Meanwhile, Taguig resumed full operations of local health centers, ensuring that residents can access medical services within their barangays. Public spaces—including parks, covered courts, multipurpose buildings, and the People’s Park in West Rembo and Cembo, which had been closed to the residents—are now open to the public once again.
Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano hailed the ruling, calling it a victory not just for the city but for all EMBO residents who had been deprived of essential services.
We are very pleased with the court’s decision she said. “With the preliminary injunction, the return of services to the residents of EMBO will continue uninterrupted, from check-ups for pregnant women to vaccinations for children, medications for seniors, and sports and wellness activities in courts and parks—everyone has the right to benefit.”
Cayetano reiterated that Taguig will always prioritize its people over politics.