THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the administrative transfer to Taguig City of the 10 disputed barangays involved in the territorial district between the former and Makati City more than two months before the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In its minute resolution dated August 18 but released only yesterday, the Comelec en banc said it will now recognize the 10 disputed barangays as being under Taguig City.
“The Commission, after due deliberation, resolves to approve the recommendation/opinion of the Law Department that the barangays can now be considered as part of Taguig City for purposes of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections pursuant to the Supreme Court decision,” said the Comelec.
“Resolved, further, to approve the following recommendatory actions on the Commission’s preparation for the implementation of the administrative transfer of the 10 barangays in Makati City to Taguig City,” it also said.
The Commission said the decision is in accordance with the recommendations of its Law Department regarding the SC ruling on the territorial dispute between the neighboring cities.
“In a letter dated 11 August 2023, Hon. Maria Laarni L. Cayetano, City Mayor of Taguig City, formally informed Comelec that national agencies have started to transfer the administrative jurisdiction of their regional offices from the City of Makati to the City of Taguig insofar as the 10 barangays are concerned,” noted the Comelec.
With the decision, the poll body directed its Election Records and Statistics Department (ERSD) to provide an updated coding system for the barangays in the second district of Makati and Taguig City, and re-allocate BSKE forms and supplies based on the new electoral data.
It also ordered its Information Technology Department (ITD) to provide second district of Makati City a new database with server, and to effect changes of precincts and database with server.
The Election and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) was also directed to prepare a detailed procedure of the administrative transfer including the preparation of new Project of Precinct (POP) for OEO (Office of the Election Officer) Makati (2nd District) and OEO Taguig City.
The Comelec also said its Administrative Services Department must provide and assist in the hauling of computers and other equipment from the OEO of Makati City and Taguig City and re-allocate the forms and supplies from Makati City and Taguig City.
The Comelec said its Printing Committee has been ordered to print ballots for the 10 transferred barangays.
The Education and Information Department of the Comelec has also been ordered to conduct a focused information dissemination and other related public information in coordination with the OEO Makati City and OEO Taguig City.
Lastly, the Comelec ordered its Finance Services Department to allocate budgetary funding for costs that may be incurred in the transfer of the said voters, if any.
The Taguig City government lauded the Comelec decision.
“The Honorable Commission’s decision is in compliance with the SC’s decision which is clear and unambiguous. The move to fully implement the SC’s final and executory decision in the territorial dispute is highly commendable and stands as a testament to its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring peaceful and orderly elections,” Mayor Lani Cayetano said.
Cayetano urged Makati City officials to cooperate and respect the Comelec decision.
“Let us work together for the community in assuring a seamless transition of our barangay and SK officials. Embracing this outcome with unity, open communication, honesty, and truthfulness will undoubtedly contribute to the betterment of all residents involved,” she said.
She also appealed to all government agencies to help in the transition of the said barangays from Makati to Taguig’s control without delay in compliance with the SC decision.
“Our residents in the EMBo barangays need and deserve that help,” she said.
The Supreme Court has earlier ruled that the 10 barangays in the second district of Makati City were actually under the jurisdiction of the Taguig City.
The 10 affected barangays are Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside, and Southside.
