FOR one, shutting down public service facilities just for the heck of it doesn’t speak well of a government official – an elected one at that.
Taking cue from Makati City government closure of health centers in 10 barangays which form part of the so-called enlisted men’s barrio (EMBO), the act in itself looks more like a betrayal in its highest form as then Makati Mayor Abby Binay held public facilities hostage, denying residents access to health centers, daycare facilities, and multipurpose buildings that their taxes built.
“Might as well let the buildings rust than let ex-Makatizens use them.” This was the message Binay sent with her actions.
And it was the people who paid the price. Pregnant women needing check-ups, seniors waiting for free medicine, and children in need of daycare had to travel far or rely on mobile clinics, all because Binay padlocked the doors to facilities meant to serve them.
For what? Pride? Money? Or simply because Binay’s dynasty could no longer profit from their votes?
These were the same people who stood by the Binay family for decades. But once they were no longer politically useful, Mayor Abby locked them out. Literally. After walking away, she ensured Taguig would have difficulty stepping in, and in doing so, she made ordinary people suffer.
Mayor Lani Cayetano, who clearly had enough of this harmful political maneuvering, pointed out the obvious through a video on May 7.
“Mayor Abby and Atty. Certeza, hindi ako ang gagamit ng mga pasilidad kundi ang mga sanggol, mga buntis, mga senior citizens, mga persons with disabilities, mga kabataan at mga sektor na dapat natin pinagsisilbihan,” she said.
That’s the difference: one mayor sees people, while the other sees pawns.
Public facilities were never about the mayors or their legal teams. They were built for the people, using the people’s money, to serve the people’s needs. To hold them hostage over a boundary dispute is not only petty but is downright cruel.
Thanks to the Regional Trial Court’s recent temporary restraining order, these essential facilities are finally open again. Taguig can now fully and freely serve the EMBO residents using the structures their taxes built.
EMBO residents were never chess pieces. And finally, they’re no longer being treated as if they are.