15th case filed against Sulpicio

CEBU - Another set of civil charges has been filed yesterday against Sulpicio Lines, the fifteenth case so far in connection with the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars, off Romblon province last June 21.

Jose Eric Manigos from Consolacion town filed charges of gross negligence, reckless imprudence, and breach of contract against the shipping company, ship captain Florencio Marimon, SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice president Eusebio Go, vice president and chief executive officer Carlos Go, senior VP Victorino Go, and other vice presidents Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go, and Edgar Go.

Manigos filed his complaint before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu demanding SLI to pay him moral and exemplary damages of P2.4 million for the death of his wife Marissa and his two children, Erica and Filicre, who were passengers of the 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 Republic Act 9406 or the Public Attorney’s Office Law.

The PAO, through chief public lawyer Persida Rueda-Acosta, assisted the plaintiffs in filing the charges.

In the complaint, Manigos said that SLI released insurance amounting to P600,000 for the three victims but not before compelling him to sign a unilaterally prepared release and quitclaim, the contents of which absolved completely the shipping company from any liability to the complainant for the death of his wife and children.

Fifteen cases were already filed against Sulpicio before the regional trial court by relatives of the victims of the said sea tragedy. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)