CoA orders Makati City gov’t to pay Aquasolv for service

THE COMMISSION on Audit (CoA) has “partially granted” the petition of Aquasolv Philippines, Inc. against the Makati City government for a claim of almost P1 million involving the maintenance of sewerage treatment plants and water treatment. In its decision dated January 29, state auditors ruled that “the city cannot evade payment and unjustly enrich itself, especially when it admitted in its Answer that petitioner actually rendered services.” Aquasolv provided services to Makati from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015. However, the city refused to pay due to the absence of approved contracts and the company’s failure to go through the required procurement process. “On the above premises, this Commission believes that the petitioner should be compensated, based on quantum meruit, which entitles a party to payment as much as he reasonably deserves, for the services rendered to the city,” it said. On the other hand, CoA denied Aquasolv’s claim for legal interest due to “lack of legal basis.” “The City Government of Makati is liable to pay Aquasolv Philippines, Inc. the amount of P983,656.80, subject to availability of funds and the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations. The claim for legal interest is denied,” CoA said. — Genshen L. Espedido