- Petitioner
- Ibex International
- Respondent
- Government Service Insurance System
- Citation
- G.R. No. 162095
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Third Division
- Ponente
- Carpio, J.
- Decided
- October 12, 2009
Summary
IBEX International contracted with GSIS in 1984 to supply and install graphic signage for GSIS Headquarters Building for P11.5 million. When GSIS suspended operations in March 1986, IBEX had received 15% downpayment but project completion remained disputed (IBEX claimed 30%-100% in contradictory statements). After GSIS took over the contract in 1994, IBEX filed for breach of contract in 1999 seeking damages. The Construction Industry Arbitration Commission dismissed the case for prescription and laches, finding the project incomplete and IBEX's claims contradictory. The Court of Appeals affirmed, ruling IBEX was not entitled to damages due to non-completion, failure to liquidate downpayment, and failure to submit required documentation. The Supreme Court denied IBEX's petition, emphasizing that factual findings of specialized quasi-judicial bodies like CIAC are accorded finality when supported by evidence and affirmed by appellate courts. The case demonstrates the importance of timely action in contract disputes and the specialized jurisdiction of construction arbitration.