Abalos optimistic Makati-Taguig territorial issue will be resolved soon

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Saturday expressed optimism that the ongoing territorial row between Taguig and Makati will soon be resolved through constructive and well-meaning talks between the leaders of the two cities.

Abalos made the remark during the reopening of West Rembo Fire Station which was previously closed by the Makati City government, following an earlier Supreme Court ruling transferring the jurisdiction of the so-called 10 Embo Barangays to Taguig City.

"What is important is tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo. Dahil dito, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa City of Makati, and hopefully, we will solve this issue. Kung ano yung mga buhol at gusot, mapag-usapan nang maayos," he said.

During the same event, Abalos also called for uninterrupted delivery of public services for the affected residents of the Embo barangays who were the unintended victims of the dispute.

Abalos likewise expressed gratitude to Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay for allowing the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel to man and utilize the fire station during the "transition", until a possible resolution of the matter is reached.

"Pinayagan tayo ni Mayor Abby. Ang terminology dito ay transition, hanggang maayos talaga lahat," he shared.

Abalos added the reopening of the West Rembo Fire Station was a move towards the right direction and a clear sign that public service remains the paramount desire of both Mayor Binay and Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig City.

"Habang pinag-uusapan, tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo," he added.

For his part, Makati Administrator Claro Certeza said that while the DILG and Makati would still discuss on the sidelines the details of the BFP's use of the Embo fire stations, "what is important is the re-opening of the stations for continuity of public service".