Taguig takes over BGC

THE Supreme Court has spoken.

It terminated the longstanding land dispute between the city governments of Makati and Taguig regarding jurisdiction over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, where the Bonifacio Global City now stands.

Hence, Taguig City will now exercise territorial jurisdiction over the disputed property.

In a two-page resolution dated September 28, 2022, the Court’s Special Third Division denied with finality the Makati City government’s omnibus motion for reconsideration of the Court’s December 1, 2021 decision, on the ground the basic issues raised therein had been duly considered and passed upon by the Court in the assailed decision.

The Court also denied Makati City’s omnibus motion to refer the case to the Court en banc, as the Court en banc is not an appellate court to which decisions or resolutions of a division may be appealed.

The Court likewise said no further pleadings, motions, letters or other communications shall be entertained in this case, as it ordered the immediate issuance of an entry of judgment.

In response to the latest Supreme Court ruling, the City Government of Taguig issued an official statement.

“The Supreme Court has decided with finality that jurisdiction over Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, by superior legal rights and historic title, belongs to Taguig.

“In a way, Taguig is not the only victor in this legal contest. In a bigger sense, with both parties putting their trust in the legal system, it is the rule of law which prevailed. …

“The end of this legal dispute marks the beginning of a new chapter for Taguig and its people. Our victory in the courts of law is not merely a vindication of our rights. It is equally a command for us to make good use of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand our brand of committed public service to new constituents. We welcome our new Taguigeños with this solemn promise.

“Taguig and its people, over the past decade, have proven what we could collectively achieve. Taguig has been transformed into a progressive city, grounded in caring for all sectors and levels of its society. ‘I Love Taguig’ is not just a slogan; it is obedience to the command to do everything in love.

“We will work even harder to expand and improve the services we run for our constituents, by introducing new programs and projects.