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Perez et al v. Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority,}{\fs20\insrsid2238550  Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid2238550 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid4266746 5}}}{\fs20\insrsid2238550  of 8
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\b\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 MARGARITA D. PEREZ and JESSE C. TOVES,}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par Plaintiffs-Appellants,
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 vs.}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 GUAM HOUSING AND URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY (GHURA),
\par A Government of Guam Public Body Corporate and Politic}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Defendant-Appellee.}{\insrsid4266746 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 OPINION}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Filed:}{\b\insrsid4266746  }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 December 28, 2000}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Cite as:}{\b\insrsid4266746  }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 2000 Guam 33}{\insrsid4266746 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA00-010}{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Superior Court Case No.: CV0410-99
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Submitted on the Briefs, September 14, 2000
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid4266746 
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\par }{\ul\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Appearing for the Plaintiffs-Appellants:}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par Margarita D. Perez, }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Pro Se}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par P.O. Box 21021
\par GMF, Guam 96921
\par 
\par Jesse C. Toves, }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Pro Se}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par P.O. Box 25043
\par GMF, Guam 96921\cell 
\par }{\ul\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Appearing for the Defendant-Appellee:}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par David Ledger, Esq.
\par Carlsmith Ball, LLP
\par Bank of Hawaii Bldg., Suite 401
\par 134 W. Soledad Avenue
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
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\par }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 BEFORE:}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ, Chief Justice; PETER C. SIGUENZA, JR., Associate Justice; and JOHN A. MANGLONA, Designated Justice.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 CRUZ, C.J.:}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
\par }{\b\insrsid4266746 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [1]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Plaintiffs filed this wrongful termination action against the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, an agency of the government of Guam.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The authority moved for dismissal alleging that the trial court lacked jurisdiction because the action was filed nearly two years after expiration of the statute of limitations in the Government Claims Act.}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The trial court dismissed the Complaint for lack of jurisdiction and this appeal followed.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 We agree with the trial court and affirm its decision.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 I.}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
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\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [2]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Plaintiffs-Appellants Margarita D. Perez (}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ) and Jesse C. Toves (}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Toves}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ) were employed by the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 GHURA}
{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ) as unclassified employees.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
In November of 1994, the unclassified positions occupied by Perez and Toves were changed to classified positions by resolution of GHURA}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s Board of Commissioners (}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Board}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ).}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves then became classified employees.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Shortly thereafter, in February of 1995, the Board rev
oked the classified status of the positions held by Perez and Toves and redesignated them as unclassified positions.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 On March 3, 1995, Perez and Toves were terminated from employment.}{\insrsid4266746 

\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [3]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab On March 21, 1995, pursuant to the Government Claims Act (}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}
{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Claims Act}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
), Perez and Toves, through legal counsel, filed claims against the government with the Attorney General of Guam.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Their claims were denied by the Attorney General o
n July 11, 1995, and by GHURA on September 20, 1995.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [4]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab On April 12, 1995, Perez and Toves filed an appeal of their terminations with the Civil Service Commission.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
On November 14, 1995, Perez and Toves stipulated to dismiss this appeal.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [5]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Sometime after their terminations, Perez and Toves, still represented by legal counsel, brought legal action against GHURA in federal court.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The District Court of Guam dismissed this action for failure to comply with the statute of limitations.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [6]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab On Fe
bruary 26, 1999, Perez and Toves, representing themselves, filed the instant action, Civil Case No. CV0410-99, in the Superior Court, alleging wrongful and malicious termination from employment in violation of the Organic Act and the United States Constit
ution.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves sought reinstatement of employment at GHURA, and monetary and punitive damages.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [7]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab In lieu of an answer, GHURA filed a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
The trial court found that it had no subject matter jurisdiction and that Perez and Toves failed to state claims upon which relief could be granted because they failed to file their action within the statute of limitations.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This appeal followed.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 II.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [8]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab This court has jurisdiction over this appeal from a final judgment.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  3107, (1994).}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [9]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Review of the trial court's grant of a motion to dismiss is }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 de novo}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 .}{\i\insrsid4266746  }{
\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Wood v. Guam Power Authority}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , 2000 Guam 18, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  8 (citations omitted).}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Construing the provisions of the Claims Act are issues of statutory construction that are reviewed }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 de novo}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 .}{\insrsid4266746  }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 People v. Quichocho}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , 1997 Guam 13, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  3.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 III.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [10]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab No agency of the government of Guam may be sued unless sovereign immunity is specifically waived.}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Wood}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , 2000 Guam 18, at }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  10 (citing 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  1421a (1987)).}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves assert that GHURA does not enjoy sovereign immunity because it does not perform any sovereign functions, and therefore, the Claims Act does not apply to GHURA.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Thus, they reason that the trial court erred in finding that it did not have subject matter jurisdiction due to their failure to comply with the statute of limitations in the Claims Act.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [11]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Whether GHURA enjoys sovereign immunity is not at}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
issue because the Legislature granted this agency the right to sue and be sued in its enabling legislation.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 See}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  Title 12 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  5104 (2), (1996); }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 see also Guam Economic Development Agency v. Island Equipment Co}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ., 1998 Guam 7, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  8 (observing that the Guam Legislature can waive}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 sovereign immunity of a public entity by granting it the right to sue and be sued).}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
However, this is not to imply that GHURA is to be excluded from the operation of the Claims Act.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The Claims Act provides:}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This Chapter applies, except as provided in }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  6104 of the Chapter, to the entire government of Guam, as specifically stated herein.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
No government agency, whether denominated as a line department, an agency, o
r a public corporation, is excluded from the scope of this Chapter. The fact that an agency or instrumentality has or has not the right to sue or to be sued in its own name does not exclude such agency or instrumentality from the scope of this Chapter}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 .}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Title 5 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  6102, (1993) (emphasis added).}{
\cs15\super\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid2238550 \chftn }{\insrsid2238550  }{
\fs20\insrsid2238550 Section 6104 exempts only tax refunds, the Workers Compensation Law and the Retirement Fund, and does not exempt GHURA. }}}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The Legislature created GHURA as a public corporation.}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Title 12 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  5103(a), (1996) (}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 There is hereby created a public body corporate and politic to be known as the }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority.}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 ).}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Thus, the Claims Act is applicable to GHURA and the waiver of sovereign immunity is within the limits prescribed by the act.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The act provides in relevant part: }{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Limitations on Actions and Filing.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
(a) All claims under this Act must be filed within 18 months from the date the claim arose, but any claims timely filed under the predecessor of this Act shall be considered to have been timely filed under this Chapter.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 (b) Every action filed under this C
hapter shall be barred unless commenced within 18 months from the time the notice that the claim was rejected was served as provided in Article 2 of this Chapter, or within 24 months after the claim was filed in cases where the government does not reject 
the claim.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Title 5 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  6106, (1993).}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [12]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Turning to the facts of this case, Perez and Toves were terminated from employment on March 3, 1995.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
They filed claims with the Attorney General}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s Office pursuant to the Claims Act on March 21, 1995.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Their claims were denied by the Attorney General on July 11, 1995, and by GHURA on September 20, 1995.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Under the Claims Act, Perez and Toves had eighteen months from the date they received notice of rejection of their claim by GHURA.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 See}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  5 GCA }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  6106.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Although the exact date of receipt of this notice cannot be ascertained from the record,}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves do not dispute receiving the notice of rejection from GHURA.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves filed the instant case on February 26, 1999.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Thus, well over three years passed from the denial of the claim by GHURA to the filing of the instant suit by Perez and Toves and it cannot be disputed that this suit was filed far beyond the Claims Act}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s statute of limitations.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [13]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Perez and Toves argue that they filed their claims with the Attorney General of Guam not with GHURA.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Thus, they insist that they did not file a government claim with GHURA and that somehow the claims act}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s statute of limitations is therefore rendered inapplicable.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This argument offers no support and is self-defeating.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 In addition, this position directly contradicts statements given by affidavit that}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 their claims were filed with }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
both the Attorney General of Guam and GHURA.}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Appellee}{
\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s Supplemental Excerpts of Record at C-18 and 47, Perez and Toves Affidavits.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 How GHURA obtained their claims is unimportant.}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The undisputed facts are}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
that GHURA was in receipt of claims filed pursuant to the Claims Act by Perez and Toves, and that GHURA denied these claims in writing.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [14]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab In order to sue the government or any agency thereof, autonomous or non-autonomous, the procedures of the Claims Act must first be followed.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 See}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  5 GCA }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  6102.}{\insrsid4266746  
}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Failure to file a claim prior to filing a suit warrants dismissal on a jurisdictional ground.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 See e.g. Ciesiolka v. San Nicolas}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
, 1991 WL 336902, at *3 (D. Guam Ap. Div. June 11, 1991).}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
Further, this court recently held that the filing of a untimely claim against the government pursuant to the Procurement Act, Chapter 5 of Title 5 Guam Code Annotated, leaves the trial court without jurisdiction over the case.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Pacific Rock Corp. v. Dept. of Education}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , 2000 Guam 19, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  31.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This court has recognized that the Procurement Act and the Claims Act set the parameters within which a suit may be brought against the government.}{\insrsid4266746  
}{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Wood, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 2000 Guam 18, }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 11.}{
\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Nonetheless, Perez and Toves argue that the trial court should have invoked its jurisdiction on equitable grounds.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [15]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Historically, courts have been hesitant to allow the assertion of equitable estoppel against a statute of limitations defense in an suit against a sovereign.}{\insrsid4266746  
}{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 See Houston v. United States Postal Service}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , 823 F.2d 896, 902 (5}{\super\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 th}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  Cir. 1987).}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This position is based upon the doctrine of sovereign immunity under which the government}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s liability can be no greater than it permits.}{\insrsid4266746  
}{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Id.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Thus, equitable co
nsiderations that may waive or toll a limitation period in litigation between private parties do not have the same effect in a suit against a sovereign. }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Id.}{\i\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [16]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab Perez and Toves argue that GHURA is equitably estopped from asserting a statute of limitations defense because the agency led them to believe that they would receive a }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 due process}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  hearing on their terminations.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 They claim that they stipulated to the dismissal of their Civil Service Commission appeals due to GHURA}{
\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s promised hearing.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 This hearing, they allege, was scheduled for November 23, 1995 but never held.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves assert that this hearing has been}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 continuously denied by GHURA resulting in continuing harm to them thus tolling the statute of limitations.}{
\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [17]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab This argument is of little weight.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
The facts presented by Perez and Toves, show that from the date of the initially scheduled }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 due process}
{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746  hearing, they waited more than three years to file the instant case.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 However, their prior conduct indicates they were well aware of the Claims Act}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s application in their case.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Indeed, they obtained legal counsel and filed claims with the Attorney General}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s Office within three weeks of being fired.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 These claims were denied by the Attorney General and by GHURA and Perez and Toves were aware of such denials.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 While they are now }{\i\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 pro se
}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 , the record indicates that Perez and Toves initiated legal action on these same grounds}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 
in the District Court of Guam and possibly in the Superior Court prior to filing the instant case.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 These facts indicate that their neglect in filing the Complaint in this case well beyon
d the Claims Act limitations period is not excusable.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 IV.}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 [18]}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 \tab The Claims Act sets forth the specific parameters for filing a suit against GHURA.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Perez and Toves filed their Complaint two years beyond the expiration of statute of limitations contained in the Claims Act and have failed to show that their neglect is excusable.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 The trial court}{\insrsid2061489\charrsid4266746 '}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 s dismissal for lack of jurisdiction is }{\b\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 AFFIRMED}{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 .}{\insrsid4266746 

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 PETER C.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 SIGUENZA, JR.\tab \tab \tab JOHN A.}{\insrsid4266746  }{
\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 MANGLONA
\par Associate Justice\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 Designated Justice}{\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid4266746 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4266746 {\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 BENJAMIN J.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 F.}{\insrsid4266746  }{\insrsid2238550\charrsid4266746 CRUZ
\par Chief Justice
\par }}