Security agency sues UP for terminating contract

A security agency has sued University of the Philippines (UP) Manila officials for allegedly pre-terminating its contract and hiring another company without first conducting a bidding.

Represented by its president Jayme Ang, 168 Security and Allied Services Inc. (Sasi) recently filed a petition for mandatory injunction (court order for a person or organization to carry out or desist from committing a specific act) in the  Manila Regional Trial Court against UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Manuel Agulto and Vice Chancellor for administration and finance Dr. Joselito Jamir.

It also sought damages amounting to P7.2 million from the state university.

According to 168 Sasi, UP Manila officials committed grave abuse of authority and discretion when they pre-terminated the contract with the security agency which was effective until the end of the year without due process of law.

Based on court documents, Ang said Jamir asked him earlier this year if he would agree to the conduct of an early bidding for the 2014 contract. Jamir also gave the 168 Sasi president until July 31 to inform him that his agency was interested in continuing to provide security services to UP Manila.

Ang said he sent a reply to the university in the afternoon of July 31. But an hour later, the agency received a letter sent by fax from Agulto that its security contract had been terminated because UP Manila did not get a reply from 168 Sasi.

“What is so blatant is that on the same date, Agulto issued a letter to Mr. Carmelo T. Ayuson of the Commander Security Services Inc. informing them that they can instantly take over the security services… sans bidding process,” Ang added.

Sought for comment, UP Manila spokesman Dr. Anthony Leachon said they would address the issue although they have yet to receive a copy of the complaint.

“Every decision [UP Manila] makes is based on its best interests in order to protect the lives and properties under its care. The University’s previous security agency, 168 Security Agency & Allied Services, was given due process, yet failed its mandate,” he added, quoting Agulto.