The Department of Education (DepEd) on July 29 shot down Makati City’s bid to take over three schools in areas now part of Taguig.
DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Revsee Escobedo said in a letter to Makati Mayor Abby Binay that the city lacked legal grounds to manage Makati Science High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, and Fort Bonifacio High School, according to Philippine Star.
Escobedo said granting Makati’s request would violate the Constitution and the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. These laws say education is a national government responsibility.
The three schools are now under Taguig’s control after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled in favor of the city in a territorial dispute with Makati.
DepEd said all public schools in the former “embo” barangays must be managed by DepEd Taguig.
Makati argued it owned the school land, buildings, and equipment. But DepEd said this was not considered in the SC ruling.
The two cities had also agreed to let the courts decide ownership issues.
DepEd warned that allowing Makati’s request would defy the SC’s decision and could lead to contempt charges.
“While this office acknowledges the commendable intent of LGU Makati to support the learners, this office must uphold rule of law and is therefore constrained to recommend the denial of its request,” Escobedo said in the letter.
“LGU Makati is, however, not precluded from seeking recourse to other remedies available under law, as it may deem fit,” he added, noting that Makati can still challenge the decision.
As of this writing, no response has been received from Mayor Abby Binay.
