Makati files complaint vs. Taguig execs for alleged graft, neglect of duty

The local government of Makati City has lodged a complaint against three Taguig City government employees before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged graft and corrupt practices and neglect of duty.

According to the Makati LGU, the case stemmed from the supposed 11-month delay in the release of tax clearance documents by the Taguig City Treasurer’s Office for three parcels of land purchased by Makati City from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) worth P146,503,273.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay claimed that there had been an ''inordinate delay in securing the tax clearance and assessment for the payment of local transfer taxes.'' 

''Despite having certified true copies of the tax declarations, we have yet to obtain the tax clearance documents or a tax assessment of possible taxes due to the City of Taguig. We have repeatedly followed up and sent a letter request on May 05, 2023 but the respondents intentionally delayed the procedure,” the complaint stated.

''The Taguig City Government has shown on many occasions a contemptuous disregard for the law. Aside from the unjustifiable delay in the release of tax clearance documents, they have harassed our employees and are now facing charges of illegal detention and grave coercion,'' Binay said in a statement.

''Their obsession to grab properties owned by Makati seems to have compromised their judgement, public conduct, and sense of decency," she added.

Makati's complaint further said the employees are ''administratively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.'' 

Asked for comment on the matter, the Taguig LGU said the ''baseless'' complaint filed by Makati only intends to harass Taguig officials.

''The cases filed against the officials and employees of Taguig will not detract them from giving the EMBO residents transformative programs that they deserve,'' it said. 

Makati and Taguig have been trading accusations of supposed harassment following a Supreme Court decision that transferred the jurisdiction of 10 EMBO barangays from Makati to Taguig.

Earlier this month, four employees of the Makati City Government filed complaints for illegal detention and grave coercion against Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano. 

This comes after several individuals chained and padlocked the gate and blocked the entrances to the Makati Park and Garden. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ VAL, GMA Integrated News