Another multi-million civil case filed against Sulpicio

Civil charges continue to plague Sulpicio Lines in connection with the sinking of one of its passenger vessels, MV Princess of the Stars, off Romblon province last June 21.

Charges of gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract was filed yesterday against the shipping company, its ship captain Florencio Marimon, SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice president Carlos Go, VP and chief executive officer Carlos Go, senior VP Victorino and other vice-presidents Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go, and Edgar Go.

The complainant this time is Elpidia Payawal from Looc, Mandaue City who filed the complaint at the Regional Trial Court in Cebu demanding SLI and its officials to pay her family actual and compensatory damages amounting to P3.744 million, and moral and exemplary damages of P800,000 for the death of her husband Rafael, who was one of the passengers of the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars.

The shipping company was also asked to pay an amount equivalent to 20 percent of the total monetary award as attorney’s fees, pursuant to RA 9406 (Public Attorney’s Office Law).

The Public Attorney’s Office, through Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, assisted the Payawal family in filing the charges.

Payawal, in the complaint, said the sinking was caused by the company’s gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract.

Payawal said that SLI released the P200,000 insurance but allegedly not before compelling her to sign SLI’s “unilaterally prepared release and quitclaim,” the contents of which she alleged had absolved completely the shipping company from any liability for the death of her husband.

Earlier, about 18 other relatives of the victims filed a petition, asking Marina to cancel the franchise of SLI.

Fourteen PAO staffers signed the petition, citing 33 vessels operated by SLI that encountered sea accidents since 1980. They said they want to prevent SLI from endangering more lives through its transportation of passengers. —Jasmin R. Uy/RAE