It’s Caloocan over Malabon

Caloocan City won the first round in its fight against the city of Malabon over a disputed 40-hectare property, which covers two barangays now a part of Malabon territory.

Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Judge Adoracion Angeles has prevented Malabon City officials from implementing Section 2 of Republic Act 9019, which converted Malabon into a city and redefined its boundaries in April 2001. The law, in the process, annexed Caloocan City barangays 160 and 161 in Libis Bacca as part of its territory.

The court has temporarily restrained Malabon officials from exercising judicial, administrative, operational and supervisory powers and jurisdiction over the contested property.

The court, however, clarified the writ of preliminary injunction is only meant to maintain a status quo in the area. The court said allowing Malabon to exercise control and administration of the subject area while the merits of the case are still being addressed would cause confusion, chaos and prejudice to residents.

The petitioners, led by Caloocan Councilor Henry Cammayo, claimed that Section 2 of RA 9019 "substantiality altered the territory of Caloocan City by annexing the areas to the city of Malabon without consulting the affected residents." – Jerry Botial