(Screenshot from a video of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano)
In a video message, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano said that if there were any mistakes, they should not be attributed to Taguig after Makati City Mayor Abby reportedly stated that Taguig was the "uncontrollable variable" that disrupted the plan.
This statement follows the Supreme Court's decision to grant the jurisdiction of the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangays, which the Makati Subway Project was supposed to pass through, to Taguig.
(Picture of the planned Makati Subway)
"I just want to clarify - Makati never coordinated with us about this project. Not before the Court's decision, and certainly not after. Thus, blaming Taguig is not only wrong, but far from the truth," Cayetano stated.
"Now, Mayor Abby Binay says that Taguig is the 'uncontrollable variable' that ruined the plan. We're being pointed at again. But let's ask this: did we, Taguig, enter into a multi-billion project even though there is a pending case? Did we spend for the stations built on land they knew was still uncertain whether it was theirs?" Cayetano added.
Despite this, Taguig City remains open to anyone wishing to discuss transportation programs.
"Let me state for the record that I'm open to working with anyone and any group for any transportation program that will ease the plight of our commuters. This is not about politics, but about genuine concern for the welfare of our fellowmen. I'm ready to work for the people of Taguig and our commuters from all over Metro Manila," Cayetano concluded.
The Makati Intra-city Subway was a planned underground rapid transit line in Makati City with a length of 11 kilometers.
The project was a partnership between the Makati City Government and a private consortium led by the Philippine Infradev Holdings.
The subway line stations were supposed to connect with the current Line 3 (Guadalupe Station), Pasig River Ferry Service, and the approved Line 9 (Metro Manila Subway).
