18th case filed against Sulpicio

CEBU - The 18th civil case has been filed against Sulpicio Lines Inc. yesterday in connection with the sinking of its flagship, the M/V Princess of the Stars, off Romblon last June 21.

Along with this came the filing of the motion for consolidation of cases by the Public Attorneys Office to the 16 branches where the civil cases have been raffled.

Mira Liza Dela Cerna has asked the shipping company to pay P8.640 million in actual and compensatory damages as well as moral and exemplary damages of P800,000 for the death of her husband Ricardo, who was one of the passengers of the doomed ship.

The amount was based on the estimated earnings of the victim.

The shipping company was also asked to pay 20 percent of the total monetary award as attorney’s fees.

Charges of gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract were filed against the shipping company, ship captain Florencio Marimon, SLI President Enrique Go, Executive Vice President Carlos Go, VP and chief executive Eusebio Go, Senior VP Victorino Go and other vice-presidents Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go and Edgar Go.

In her complaint, Dela Cerna said that SLI released their insurance amounting to P200,000 but not before compelling him to sign SLI’s prepared release and quitclaim absolving the shipping company from any liability for the death of her husband. — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)