Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 16) — Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said they are now coordinating with the country’s poll body for the participation of Taguig City’s new barangays for the upcoming October elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, Abalos said that aside from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the DILG has also tapped other government agencies for the territorial change while waiting for further orders from the Supreme Court.
READ: Taguig hails Makati’s recognition of SC ruling on territorial dispute
“Comelec Chairman George Garcia and I agree that it’s imperative to take action because there’s not much time left before the elections. We respect the Supreme Court’s definition of the cities’ territorial boundaries and are coordinating accordingly,” he said.
“We’re working with the Chiefs of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection to revise the areas of responsibility and reporting lines of their affected local offices, in light of the decided boundaries,” Abalos added.
The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections are scheduled for October 30.
The DILG chief stressed that the actions being deployed now would only cover “matters of territorial supervision.”
“As for specific rights or obligations over affected property, these will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure provided by law. We will also respect any further court orders in this regard,” he said.
Last week, the Makati City government slammed Taguig City for its “forcible takeover” of some schools within the disputed land despite the absence of a Writ of Execution.
READ: SC: Writ of Execution needed before Taguig can take over 10 barangays from Makati
