Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay on Monday expressed concern over the fate of more than 300,000 residents affected by a Supreme Court decision affirming Taguig City’s jurisdiction over Bonifacio Global City.
“In the coming days, the city government and I will coordinate and work with the concerned national government departments and agencies. We will find a way for Makati to continue to be of assistance and service to you,” Binay said in a video message posted on her Facebook page.
The city chief executive noted that the dispute with Taguig is not about the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or politics but the welfare of Makati residents in the ten barangays covered by the decision.
“It is painful, especially for me, to be separated from over 300,000 Makatizens who have been with us throughout the city’s recovery and progress,” she said.
The mayor also said she is worried over the future of thousands of public school students and the health benefits of other residents in these barangays.
“I am worried for the future of thousands of youth and students who will not be able to graduate from our public elementary and high schools in Makati, and at the University of Makati. They will no longer receive the unique benefits and incentives that only Makati is giving. What will happen to them now?” she said.
“I am concerned for the sick who are being cared for at our health centers and at the Ospital ng Makati or OsMak — they who enjoy benefits and quality but free health care that are given only in Makati. What will happen to them?” she added.
Binay also lamented the plight of senior citizens who are used to receiving annual cash allowances and other special benefits from Makati to help them meet their needs.
“It is them I am most concerned about. It feels like I have lost children, parents, and grandparents. I have nurtured and taken care of them from the very start,” she added.
Binay said that in 2022 alone, Makati set aside over P9 billion for the welfare of District 2 residents.
“We do not regard these as costs. It is the right of every Makatizen, as taxpayers and residents of Makati, to share in the city’s progress,” the mayor said.
The mayor also expressed her disbelief over statements that Taguig is prepared to provide over 300,000 residents of the 10 barangays the same services and benefits they are receiving from Makati.
She cited Taguig’s announcement that graduating senior high school students from these barangays can now avail themselves of the city’s scholarship program.
Binay, however, pointed out that based on the guidelines of Taguig, the local government would not be able to immediately award the scholarship to over 3,000 senior high school graduates set to enter college this year as they do not meet the basic requirement of three-year residency in Taguig.
Those who are 18 years of age must also be registered voters of Taguig, she added. “Is it not clearly just an empty promise?”
“I suppose these [same benefits] can be given to Taguig residents, considering the hefty revenues the local government claims to have been generated from BGC. But why haven’t they done it? Shouldn’t the residents of Taguig get to share in the city’s prosperity?” she said.
The mayor reassured residents of the 10 barangays that she and the Makati city government are ready to help them, and they will remain “Makatizens.”
“My fellow Makatizens, let us unite and join hands. We will not give up. I will not give up. As your Mayor, I promise that I will see this through until the end, I will not abandon you. Just keep on holding on. No one should let go,” she said.