A Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has stopped the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (DBM-PS) from cancelling the BOC’s P650-million computerization project.
In an order dated Aug. 24, 2015, Manila RTC Branch 47 issued a writ of preliminary injunction against the implementation of the May 6, 2015 letter-directive signed by BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina that mandated the cancellation of the “Integrated Enhanced Customs Systems and National Single Window,” the contract of which, was won by Intrasoft International Inc.-Omniprime Marketing Inc.
The Manila RTC also stopped the May 7, 2015 “Cancellation Notice” issued by executive director Jose Tomas Syquia of the DBM.
The court order, signed by Presiding Judge Paulino Gallegos, extended an earlier temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Manila RTC against the implementation of the assailed directive of the BOC and the DBM-PS.
The Manila RTC also disallowed the conduct of any procurement separate from the earlier bidding process which was conducted for the project.
It also ordered the continuance of the aborted signing of the contract between the BOC and the Intrasoft International-OMI and for the government to issue a “Notice to Proceed” to start the project.
Meanwhile, the Manila RTC also ordered the petitioner or the camp of the winning bidder to deposit an “injunctive writ bond” of P500,000.
It also ordered the respondents to submit their respective comments on the petition of Intrasoft-OMI.
The project was aimed at enhancing the transactions at the BOC and eliminate smuggling. — PNA
