Pulled in Opposite Directions: The Tug of War between Makati and Taguig

The term tug of war, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, refers to “a situation in which two people or groups try very hard to get or keep the same thing.” Since 1993, the dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig regarding the territory that is the Enlisted Men’s Barrio, or EMBO, has been ongoing, with both cities staking their claim over the area. Only recently has the Supreme Court come to a decision on the issue, ruling that the EMBO barangays are now to be considered part of Taguig. Mixed reactions among the past Makatizens have come to light following this decision. Many are disappointed and dissatisfied with this outcome, having been stripped of not only the privileges that come with being a resident of Makati but also what was once a part of their identity. Amidst the battle between the two cities, it is easy to forget that it is the former Makati citizens, now citizens of Taguig, who are at stake and will inevitably be on the losing end if things continue as they are. The welfare of the people should always be the priority and not issues of politics.

For most EMBO residents, the reluctance to accept this outcome stems from the fear that they think Taguig won’t be able to match the services and benefits being provided to them by Makati. When weighing the benefits each city offers, it is impossible to deny the edge Makati has over Taguig. Those who are citizens of Makati are used to the numerous privileges that come with being a resident of this city. But now, as a part of Taguig, they lose access to the services they previously enjoyed, such as free hospitalization at the Ospital ng Makati, financial support, and provision of school supplies for public school students. They would even receive Christmas gifts from the local city government. While Taguig also provides similar benefits to its people, such as school supplies, these are nowhere near the same quality or quantity that Makati offers. It is for this reason that many find it hard not to sympathize with the residents of the EMBO barangays’ disappointment with the Supreme Court’s resolution and their desire to remain a part of Makati City.

As the territorial dispute has been resolved—at least in part—the transition of power between the two cities has commenced. Currently, the main concern of both city governments is the 14 schools affected by the court order. The existing tension merely continues to persist as both cities have made their fair share of jabs at one another, each making claims about the other city’s resistance to ease the transition of power. Yet, what they fail to realize is that prolonging these matters is what’s standing in the way of both cities from carrying out their main purpose, which is to serve the people. Regardless of the tension that lingers between Makati and Taguig City, this fact remains: the people should be the priority, not issues of territory and not issues of ownership of properties.

Above all the conflict, it is crucial to remember that a government’s primary role is to serve and care for its people. The long-awaited resolution for this decade-long dispute has given rise to a more intense feud between the cities of Makati and Taguig, making the two governments lose track of what is most important. With the lives of the EMBO residents at stake, there is no room for petty squabbles or rivalries. This is not some game of tug-of-war for one or the other to win. This is about the lives and well-being of more than 200,000 Filipinos. It is time the Makati City and Taguig City governments act in ways that prove their intention to ensure the quality of life of their people. Just as what the people deserve.