By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Taguig Regional Trial Court (RTC) has extended the temporary restraining order (TRO) directing Makati City to cease obstructing the City of Taguig’s access to government-owned facilities in the Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBOs).
In the order of Taguig RTC Branch 163 Presiding Judge Desiree Gertrude Orquiola-Moldez dated May 8, a 17-day extension has been granted to the earlier 72-hour TRO issued by Executive Judge Loralie Cruz Datahan, citing the urgency and gravity of depriving EMBO residents of essential services.
The covered facilities include health centers, covered courts, multi-purpose buildings, day care centers, parks, and other government properties reserved for public use under Proclamation Nos. 518 and 1916.
Despite the final ruling of the Supreme Court in 2022, Makati has refused to let Taguig take possession of these public facilities.
In its complaint, Taguig said Makati proceeded to shut down the health centers and day care centers and, in the process, deprived its former constituents in the EMBO barangays of access to basic services.
“The plaintiff (Taguig) and its residents are being deprived of their full and free rights and benefits… because of defendant’s continued unlawful possession,” Taguig’s complaint read.
Witnesses presented by Taguig attested to the closures of the health centers and limited access to recreation centers and other public spaces.
In her order, Orquiola-Moldez emphasized that the TRO’s extension was necessary “to prevent further harm” to the residents and to allow Taguig to begin operating and maintaining the facilities “for the benefit of its constituents” and without interference from Makati.
With the extended TRO in effect, Taguig is now permitted to assert administrative control over the facilities covered by the ruling for the duration of the Order.
Taguig is also praying for a preliminary injunction while the merits of the case are pending resolution. (PNA)
