Council affirms termination of city’s contract w/ Rapport

The city council in a resolution has confirmed the termination or rescission of the memorandum of agreement between the city government and Rapid Process Inorganic Technology (Rapport) Innovation Corporation effective June 30.
Rapport Chair and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Guerrerro wrote to Mayor Benjamin Magalong informing the latter that the company is “regretfully” terminating the MOA.
With the company’s voluntary termination, the rescission of the MOA is now upon the mutual agreement of both parties, the council resolution stated.
In his letter to the city council dated May 7, Magalong urged the city council to confirm the termination of the MOA as the company allegedly failed to fulfill its obligations, which include the implementation of an effective system that will control or treat the leachate generated during biological waste operations, causing nearby residents to complain about the stench coming from the facility.
The executive department’s decision to terminate the MOA emanated from the reports prepared and site inspections conducted by the General Services Office.
In a forum, General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan reported the company failed to construct a drainage system and a waste water tank to control the leachate coming from the Environmental Recycling System (ERS) machines and also failed to introduce a special technology for the treatment of wastewater.
The report added the company was not able to maintain the condition of the ERS machines.
These obligations, which the company allegedly failed to fulfill, are stipulated in the MOA signed by both parties in 2018.
Acting City Legal Officer Richard Dayag said the city government has the right to terminate the contract for “gross violation or gross neglect of obligations” and “abandonment of the materials recovery facility or the ERS machines” as stated in Article 10 of the MOA.
The resolution stipulated Rapport shall voluntarily vacate the site on July 1 and turn over the premises to the city.
The company also agreed to continue to manage and operate the facility until August as per the letter of Buyucan. – Jordan G. Habbiling