The Supreme Court (SC) has rejected Caloocan City’s petition questioning the constitutionality of the Malabon City Charter.

In a decision written by Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho Jr., the High Tribunal ruled That Caloocan failed to follow the proper process for resolving boundary disputes under the Local Government Code (LGC).

The city government of Caloocan had filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), arguing that Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9019 (Malabon City Charter) unconstitutionally changed its boundaries without a plebiscite.

The petitioner stressed that the direct vote of qualified voters of Caloocan was also not counted.

Malabon rejected its neighbor’s claim, pointing out that the disputed areas had always been under its jurisdiction.

The SC ruled that Caloocan’s petition was premature, as boundary disputes should first be settled by the Sanggunians, in line with Section 118 of the LGC.

According to the SC magistrates since the same portions of land are being claimed highly urbanized cities, as part of their respective territorial boundaries, the dispute must first be referred to the concerned Sanggunians for settlement as provided by Section 118 of the LGC.