Peña won’t give up Makati barangays

MANILA, Philippines - Acting Mayor Romulo Peña, Jr. yesterday denied a rumor circulating among residents that he is willing to give up the city’s claim to barangays that are the subject of a territorial dispute between Makati and Taguig.

He assured the residents of Barangays Cembo, South Cembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Comembo, Pembo and Pitogo that there was no truth to the rumor, and vowed to exercise all legal means to keep them part of Makati. 

“It is a baseless rumor apparently intended to confuse Makati residents and draw their attention away from the real issues that remain unanswered,” Peña said in a statement.

Peña said he has kept his silence on the issue in deference to a standing gag order issued by Court of Appeals (CA) in September 2013 preventing Makati and Taguig officials from making public statements in connection with the ongoing dispute.

Peña said he hoped for the court’s indulgence, as he felt compelled to speak out in order to allay the fears of affected residents.

He also expressed his “endless gratitude” to the residents of the “embo” barangays, whose residents supported him when he ran for vice mayor of Makati in 2010 and 2013.

“I appeal to the residents not to be affected by cheap tactics like this from our detractors who aim to sow intrigue rather than face the issues squarely,” Peña said.

On July 30, 2013, the CA’s Sixth Division issued its ruling on the case, upholding Makati’s jurisdiction over the more than 729-hectare portion of Fort Bonifacio. It also covers two other known Makati barangays, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside.

Taguig filed an appeal, which is pending before the CA.