EMBO health centers reopen as Taguig takes control of facilities

Since 2024, EMBO residents have lost access to the benefits of the Yellow Card, the city-subsidized healthcare program provided by the Makati City government

MANILA, Philippines – Health centers in the Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBO) will reopen to the public starting Wednesday, May 7, a day after the Taguig City government officially took over various government facilities in the area previously under Makati City’s jurisdiction.

“Residents can now access free and quality health services right within their communities,” the Taguig City government said in a statement on Tuesday, May 6. “Taguig has been ready to open these health centers for over two years.”

The following health centers are now open to EMBO residents for medical services:

• South Cembo Health Center – Gen. Aguinaldo Street, South Cembo (adjacent to the South Cembo Barangay Hall)
• Pembo Health Center – Corner of Sampaguita and Santan Streets, Pembo
• Pitogo Health Center – Cebu Street, Pitogo (adjacent to the Pitogo Barangay Hall)
• Comembo Health Center – Anahaw Street, Comembo (adjacent to the Comembo Barangay Hall)
• Cembo Health Center – 110 Kalayaan Avenue (operating at this site until further notice)
• Rizal Primary Health Center – Amarillo Street, Barangay Rizal (along the main road)
• East Rembo Health Center – 23rd Avenue, East Rembo
• West Rembo Health Center – J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo (also serves residents of Post Proper Northside)

These health facilities are open from 8 am to 5 pm, from Monday to Friday.

At the beginning of 2024, residents of EMBO lost access to the benefits of the Yellow Card, the city-subsidized healthcare program of the Makati City government. In response, the Taguig City government offered free teleconsultations to affected residents.

On Tuesday afternoon, Taguig City officials began asserting control over public facilities in the EMBO barangays, acting on a court order issued by the Taguig Regional Trial Court. The temporary restraining order, signed by Executive Judge Loralie Cruz Datahan on May 5, enforced the Supreme Court’s final and executory decision in 2022, affirming Taguig’s jurisdiction over the EMBO barangays.

The TRO also prohibits Makati and its agents from blocking Taguig’s access to, or use of, public facilities in the affected barangays. These include health centers, covered courts, multipurpose halls, daycare centers, parks, and other community properties designated under Proclamation 518 and Proclamation 1916.

This development comes just days before the national and local elections.

EMBO barangays include Cembo, South Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pembo, Rizal, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, and Post Proper Southside.

– Rappler.com