Capitol security services disqualified, bidder seeks review

CEBU, Philippines - One of the bidders for security services at the Capitol has questioned the bidding process after it was disqualified for allegedly failing to comply with the eligibility requirements.

Davao Cavaliers Security Agency has filed a motion for reconsideration on its disqualification before the members of the Bids and Awards Committee. The agency’s president, Alex Montanez, claimed that its offer is better than the one which the Capitol already allowed to deploy guards despite the absence of a formal contract.

“The Bidding Committee must have also consider the importance of the special offer of the Agency to provide ambulance, several x-ray machines, and walk through in all vital installations to further protect the property of the Province of Cebu,” read the motion signed by Montanez.

The Philippine Business Bank certified that the Agency has an existing P31 million credit line to support its operations. According to Montanez, his company has other equipment and tools at its disposal, for the use, service and control of security force for the province-owned properties and installations.

These include one unit of brand new Strada pickup with mobile radio and complete accessories, staff car; four units of motorcycle with blinker for roving and deterrent guards, service bicycle for roving guards; 30 units of portable metal detectors, 90 units of handset radio with permit, and 40 extra battery packs. It has three sets of computers, eight K9 dogs with one handler each, 24 units of cellphone plans, 24 units of heavy duty search lights, four units biometric and digital camera for reporting, ten under chassis mirrors, 60 halogen flashlights, 80 handcuffs, 80 big umbrellas, rain boot shoes and rain coats.

It owns 74 units of 9mm pistol with extra ammunitions, four units of 12 gauge Amscor shotgun, two units of M16 rifle, four firearm safety vaults, four steel filing cabinets for records, two units of office tables and chairs for security office, and four groups of office tables and chairs.

“The above offer proves that the Agency will not only act as your security contractor but also as your partner to achieve only the best for the Province of Cebu,” Montanez said.

Aside from Davao Cavaliers Security Agency the other disqualified bidder was Care Best International Incorporated.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has expressed willingness to pay the security personnel from Blackpearl Security Agency who are now detailed at the Capitol in case that the agency could not make it to the post-qualification process.

Blackpearl has yet to undergo the post-qualification process which includes verification of the company’s documents. But, it has already taken over the security at the Capitol from Tactical Security Agency which contract expired on May 31.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said that they will still pay Blackpearl’s personnel for the service they rendered even though it was Blackpearl which offered their services prior to the formal agreement.

“Kung maningil sila, bayran nato for services rendered,” Davide said. The result of the post-qualification process will be determined this week, the BAC reported.

In the event that Blackpearl would be disqualified, the BAC will consider the two other agencies namely Tactical Security Agency and GDS Security and Detective Agency.  — (FREEMAN)