Taguig Court Grants Preliminary Injunction on EMBO Barangays Facilities
A Taguig court has issued a writ of preliminary injunction, allowing the Taguig City government to retain control over the facilities in the EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays. This ruling comes as a crucial legal development following extended disputes over jurisdiction and management of public facilities.
The Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 153 granted the injunction on May 22, following an earlier extension of a temporary restraining order (TRO) that permitted Taguig access to the EMBO barangay facilities. According to sources familiar with the matter, the court’s seven-page decision prohibits the Makati City government and its agents from blocking access to government properties such as health centers, covered courts, daycare centers, and other essential community resources.
Legal Background and Ongoing Trial
This court decision supports Taguig’s continued operation of the EMBO facilities, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of vital services to residents. It aligns with the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that definitively confirmed the EMBO barangays as part of Taguig’s jurisdiction. However, the writ of preliminary injunction remains temporary and will be in effect while the trial determining rightful possession of the facilities proceeds.
Previously, the Taguig Regional Trial Court issued a 72-hour TRO favoring Taguig, which was later extended by 17 days. During hearings in May, community leaders and barangay captains from EMBO testified that Makati had closed public health centers, severely limiting access to essential services for residents, especially senior citizens. The court emphasized that the ongoing denial of basic services caused “grave injustice and irreparable injury” to the EMBO communities.
Implications of the Court’s Decision
The court clarified that issuing a writ of preliminary injunction does not resolve the main case but acts as a temporary measure to prevent further harm while legal proceedings continue. To ensure Makati’s rights are safeguarded should the injunction be reversed later, Taguig has been ordered to post an additional P50 million bond on top of the P20 million previously submitted.
The dispute stems from a Supreme Court decision that transferred 10 EMBO barangays from Makati to Taguig, a move that has sparked ongoing jurisdictional issues between the two cities. According to community leaders, the court ruling is a positive step toward restoring necessary public services to the EMBO residents.
Taguig Mayor’s Response
The city’s mayor expressed strong support for the ruling, stating, “Lubos po naming ikinagagalak ang desisyong ito ng korte. Sa pamamagitan ng preliminary injunction, tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbabalik ng serbisyo sa mga taga-EMBO.” This translates to a deep appreciation for the court’s decision, which ensures continuous restoration of services for EMBO residents.
This legal development marks a significant moment for the residents of the EMBO barangays, who rely heavily on these government-run facilities for health, education, and community activities. The ongoing trial will ultimately determine the permanent jurisdiction and management of these essential public resources.
For more news and updates on Taguig court injunction, visit Filipinokami.com.