MANILA, Philippines- Umapela ang AllCard Inc. (ACI), ang kompanyang kinontrata ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) para sa pag-imprenta ng Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) o National ID cards, sa pagputol sa kontrata nito sa central bank, iginiit na tumalima ito sa mga obligasyon nito.
Sa motion for reconsideration para sa BSP’s Monetary Board, sinabi ng ACI ito ay “diligently complied with the contractual obligations set forth in the Lot 1 Contract, as per the BSP’s Technical Specifications and Terms of Reference.”
“We have provided the necessary equipment, technical and maintenance support personnel, and conducted training for BSP and Philippine Statistics Authority personnel, as required,” giit ng kompanya.
Sa termination notice base sa ulat, binanggit ng BSP, sa desisyon na may petsang Agosto 15, ang ilang rason tulad ng “failure to deliver any or all of the goods specified in the contract, amounting to more than 10% of the contract price” at “failure to perform other obligations under the contract.”
Nakasaad din dito na hanggang noong Hunyo 30, 2024, ang cumulative liquidated damages mula sa ACI ay umabot na sa mahigit 10% ng contract price.
Subalit, sinabi ng ACI na ang “decision to terminate our contract may stem from erroneous information or reports.“
Inihayag ng kompanya na maaaring ibinatay ang termination sa “inaccurate” o kulang na impormasyon, “given that there has been no breach of contract.”
“We respectfully request a comprehensive review of our performance under the contract,” pahayag ng ACI.
Inatasan ang company na mag-prodyus ng 116 milyong National ID cards.
Samantala, nagbabala ang ACI na maaaring labis na makaantala ang contract termination sa rollout at distribusyon ng IDs, na mahalaga para sa national security at public service.
“The termination of the contract will have significant adverse effects on the production and distribution of 116 million Philippine Identification Cards. As this project is vital for national security and public service, any disruption may cause delays that could affect millions of Filipinos,” pahayag ng kompanya.
“We are taken aback by the Monetary Board’s decision to terminate the contract. This move is not only unjust and unfair but also detrimental to the smooth implementation of Republic Act 11055,” ayon kay ACI president Roy Ebora.
“The abrupt termination of our contract with the BSP casts uncertainty over the future of the National ID project, potentially causing significant delays in the issuance of IDs that millions of Filipinos depend on for access to essential services,” dagdag ni Ebora.
“AllCard has been a steadfast partner in the printing of National ID cards since 2020. We humbly appeal to the BSP to allow us to finish the job and to honor the contract.”
Sa isang text message, sinabi ni BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. na “the contract is subject to a pending arbitration between BSP and ACI.”
“In light of the confidentiality of arbitration, BSP is prohibited from disclosing matters relating to the proceedings,” ayon pa kay Remolona. RNT/SA
