BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Regional Trial Court of Taguig has extended the temporary restraining order (TRO) directing the City Government of Makati to immediately cease obstructing the City of Taguig’s access to and possession of government-owned facilities in the EMBO barangays.

In the Order dated May 8, 2025, Branch 163 Presiding Judge Desiree Gertrude Orquiola-Moldez granted a 17-day extension of 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 Supreme Court’s final ruling in 2022, Makati refused to let Taguig take possession of these public facilities. It proceeded to shut down the health centers and day care centers and in the process deprived its former constituents in the EMBO barangays access of 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. It pointed to facilities that were shut down or rendered inaccessible, causing what the court characterized as “grave injustice and irreparable injury” to both the city and the public.

Witnesses presented by Taguig, including City Legal Officer Atty. Paciano Fallar Jr., City Assessor Engr. Roberto Villaluz, and Barangay Rizal kagawad Allan Jay Cruz, attested to the closures of the health centers and limited access to recreation centers and other public spaces.

“Facilities intended for the health, well-being, and general welfare of residents were closed or restricted, at the expense of the public,” Judge Orquiola-Moldez wrote.

The court 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 is pending resolution.

Since the reopening of the facilities on Wednesday, May 6, residents have already begun availing of basic health services in their own barangay or nearby barangay. The community expressed joy and relief now that health centers are operational once again and free services are accessible within walking distance.

Basketball courts and open spaces have also reopened, providing youth and residents with venues for sports and recreation. The expansive People’s Park along JP Rizal Extension in Brgys. West Rembo and Cembo has been reopened to the public—marking the full return of public spaces long denied to the communities due to Makati’s refusal to allow Taguig access, despite the Supreme Court’s final ruling.

*All Photos from Rappler