Makati mayor-elect Binay pledges talks with Taguig for EMBO transition

Metro Manila, Philippines - Makati City Mayor-elect Nancy Binay promised an open line of communication to Taguig City Mayor-elect Lani Cayetano in working on the transition of EMBO barangays.

Binay told reporters that various issues need to be ironed out, particularly that there was still no writ of execution for the assets of Makati that are now located in Taguig.

In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the 10 EMBO barangays are under the jurisdiction of Taguig, not Makati.

Among the recent developments was a court order to allow Taguig’s takeover of government facilities in the EMBO villages.

“Ang sa akin, kumbaga there’s open communication,” Binay said on Tuesday, May 13, after her proclamation. “I’m more than willing to talk to her.”

“May isang bagay na natutunan ako sa Senado na kailangan laging may open line, may room for communication. Kasi paano namin bibigyan ng solusyon ang mga problema kung hindi kami mag-uusap?” the term-limited senator said.

[Translation: For me, there will be open communication. I’m more than willing to talk to her. I learned from the Senate that you need an open line, a room for communication. How can we provide the solutions if we do not talk?]

Cayetano said she is “very excited to work” with Binay, after heated exchanges on the matter with outgoing Mayor Abby Binay.

“I think marami kaming mapagtatagumpayan na programa dahil marami naman kaming programang aligned, lalo na ‘yong interes, convenience, at welfare ng mga kababayan natin ang pag-uusapan,” Cayetano said in an interview on Tuesday afternoon.

[Translation: I think we will succeed in having more programs because our programs are aligned, especially for the interest, convenience, and welfare of the people.]

The ten villages previously disputed were Cembo, South Cembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pembo, Rizal, Pitogo, and Comembo. Over 300,000 people lived in these areas, according to the 2020 census.

For the first time, EMBO residents elected a mayor, vice mayor, city council, and district representatives under Taguig in the 2025 elections. Many of them hoped for a smoother transition and improved services and benefits in casting their ballots.

Relationship with Cayetanos?

Nancy Binay previously traded barbs with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, the husband of Mayor Cayetano, over the controversial new Senate building.

Despite this, Binay said she is “very optimistic” in working with the Taguig City mayor-elect, stressing that her relationship with Lani is different from Alan’s.

“It’s very promising kasi may ganung window para pag-usapan kung ano mang gusot ng Makati sa Taguig,” Binay said.

[Translation: It’s very promising because we have that window to talk about issues of Makati and Taguig.]