Summit contractor fixes installations of camera

With pending case in court, a security contractor for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nation Summit has fixed its camera installations yesterday with the supervision of the Philippine National Police and Department of Public Works and Highways.

DPWH regional information officer Marie Nillama said at least 20 security cameras have been installed - seven each for Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City and six for Cebu City.

Earlier, the Cebesos Development Corporation has asked the court to stop the DPWH and Triton Communications Corp. from installing security cameras along the roads used by the summit delegates.

Crisologo Saavedra, project manager of Cebesos Development Corp. that was earlier tapped by DPWH to install the security cameras, said the new contractor Triton Communications "did not comply with the requirements specified in the terms of reference of the PNP."

Saavedra said the technology used by Triton Communications is "not suited for video monitoring."

The contract that was initially awarded to Saavedra's firm was cancelled in favor of Triton Communications.

Nillama reiterated the statement of bids committee chairman Marlina Alvizo that Cebesos failed to deliver the equipment on the November 20 deadline as stated in the contract.

Nillama said Saavedra asked them to pay half of the P90-million contract but the DPWH refused, prompting them to work for the resale of the contract to the next bidder, Triton Communications.

The P90-million fund is part of the P816 million budget of the DPWH for the summit preparations, which include road repairs and street lighting.

Nillama said Triton Communications was able to deliver the equipment the following day, and the DPWH has already paid half of the amount. She said DPWH would pay the full amount to Triton Communications after the inspection of the equipment. - Gregg M. Rubio/LPM