Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay questioned the Commission on Elections’ decision to allow residents of EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays, formerly under the city’s jurisdiction, to vote for city councilors but not for their representative to Congress.
Binay argues that both city councilors and members of Congress are elected by legislative districts.
“It seems that the poll body has forgotten that city councilors are elected by legislative district. If the EMBO residents can vote for city councilors, this means they are part of a legislative district. Then why can’t they vote for their congressional representative?” Binay said.
The Comelec claims it does not know in which of Taguig’s two legislative districts EMBO residents belong. The 10 EMBO barangays were part of Makati’s second district before the Supreme Court declared them part of Taguig.
Binay expressed disappointment at the Comelec decision, stating that the right to be represented in Congress is a basic principle in a democracy and that the decision denies the EMBO residents of this right.
She also called on Taguig local government to fight for the right of EMBO residents to vote for their congressional representative.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced on Tuesday that residents of the 10 EMBO barangays, formerly under Makati City’s jurisdiction, will be able to vote in the 2025 polls for local and national elective positions, except for the congressman position.
The mayor emphasized that their rights must be defended and that the Taguig leadership should not be complicit in the suppression of the rights of EMBO residents.
