LOCKHEED DETECTIVE AND WATCHMAN AGENCY, INC.

, Petitioner,
vs.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, Respondent.
GR No. 185918
Apr. 18, 2012

Facts:

Lockheed Detective and Watchman Agency, Inc. (Lockheed) engaged into a security services
contract with respondent University of the Philippines (UP). In 1998, several UP security guards
filed separate charges against Lockheed and UP for underpayment of salary.
Lockheed maintained that UP is a separate and distinct personality from the national
government, with its own charter providing it the power to sue and be sued. As a result, it
cannot benefit from the government's protection from litigation. Respondent UP may be held
responsible and executed if he lacks immunity from action.

Issue: 

Whether or not UP is a government body having a unique personality from the national
government, and it has its own charter providing it the authority to sue and be held accountable.

Ruling:

Yes. UP is a juridical personality separate and distinct from the government and has the
capacity to sue and be sued.
It cannot evade execution, and its funds may be subject to garnishment or levy. However,
before execution may be had, a claim for payment of the judgment award must first be filed with
the COA.