The Trade Department’s bids and awards committee declared a failure of bidding on the procurement of services of a third-party laboratory that will do a comprehensive test on the controversial Mitsubishi Montero Sport units.
The body declared lone bidder SGS of Switzerland ineligible for failing to submit a document indicating it had completed a similar project.
“Under the law, if the bidder is non-compliant, the Bids and Awards Committee will proceed in accordance with the government procurement process. There will be a mandatory review as to why there was a failure of bid. We will convene this review committee immediately,” Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said,
The Trade Department conducted a fact-finding investigation last year to look into consumer complaints on the alleged sudden unintended acceleration of Montero Sport automatic units.
Congress also sought the services of a technically competent third-party expert who would determine the occurrence of the SUA.
Fifty six complaints were filed before the Trade Department against the car models manufactured between 2011 and 2015.
“We are bound by the results of the fact finding investigation as well as the resolution of the House. And if SUA is established, the Trade Department’s role is to decide on the proper actions provided for under the law to safeguard public safety,” said Dimagiba.
The third party assessor is expected to be capable of conducting four separate tests, namely full vehicle assessment, electromagnetic compatibility, emissions and component testing on radio disturbance or interference to determine if there was SUA or not.
Trade and Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. will bring to the third party assessor five vehicles with SUA but which have not been touched by Mitsubishi maintenance team for repair.
The Trade Department alloted P9 million for testing expenses while Mitsubishi committed to cover the expenses of transporting via air freight Montero units to be subjected to tests.
Meanwhile, Trade said it recieved 19 more SUA complaints against Mitsubishi.