Taguig, Makati battle over signages

MANILA, Philippines - Makati cried foul over  the alleged  action of Taguig City authorities taking down signage that says  "Welcome to BGC Makati" along McKinley Road.

Caught on a closed circuit video uploaded on YouTube, about 15 men in white shirts marched together and dismantled the banner near Forbes Park.

Both cities are embroiled in a territorial dispute over the Global City, a commercial district within previously military camp Fort Bonifacio, with the Court of Appeals ruling last month, declaring the area within the boundaries of Makati.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. condemned Taguig personnel's actions on Thursday, saying they should face charges not only for the scene but for violating court decision.

“Ever since the Court of Appeals issued its decision returning jurisdiction over the Inner Fort to Makati, Taguig personnel have been relentless in their bullying and harassment of Makati City Hall employees and ordinary residents,” Binay said.

“It is clear that Taguig personnel did not just create a disturbance in Makati; they broke the law. Thus, they should be held criminally liable for their actions.

Taguig City earlier this week asked the court to reverse its order, saying its claim is backed by documentary evidence and accusing Makati officials of "over-reliance on technicalities."

Posters, stickers and banners that read "I love Taguig. Lower taxes. No number coding. Better public service. Bawal ang corrupt" were also spotted around Global City late August.

"I cannot help but express my dismay and frustration over the actions of these Taguig personnel. You do not win an argument with intimidation and Gestapo tactics," Binay had said.