Two more cases filed vs SLI

CEBU – Two more multi-million peso damage suits were added to the pile of cases filed against Sulpicio Lines Incorporated before the court relative to the sinking of its flag ship three months ago.

The parents of an entertainer and a seaman were the latest batch to file the civil cases against Sulpicio Lines, its corporate officials and ship captain Florencio Marimon, Sr.

Marimon was still included in the case even if it was already confirmed, through the DNA, that he was among those who died in the tragedy.

The cases were the 20th and the 21st, respectively, filed against SLI on the Princess of the Stars sinking.

A total of P34,234,688 actual moral and exemplary damages, including the 20 percent attorneys’ fees, were demanded by the families of the two victims from SLI.

The parents of Annaliza Ouano, a local entertainer, demanded P13.8 million in actual and compensatory damages while Joel Eballena’s parents also demanded P18.8 million. Both parents asked another P800,000 each in moral and exemplary damages.

Annaliza, as an entertainer, according to her parents, Bienvinido and Felisa Ouano, was earning P432,000 per annum.

At the time of her death she was only 32 years old and because she was “vibrant and beautiful,” Annaliza had a very promising career in the entertainment industry.

Joel, on the other hand, was earning P45,218 a month as an ordinary seaman and was only 28 years old at the time of his death, according to his parents, Sabas and Celia Eballena.

SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice president Eusebio Go, executive vice president and chief executive officer Carlos Go, senior vice president and secretary Victriano Go, 1st vice presidents Dominador Go, Eduard Go and Edgar Go and 1st vice president and treasurer Richard Go were among the respondents.

The complainants alleged that the negligence of the respondents have caused the deaths of their loved ones. It was allegedly demonstrated by the fact that despite the hoisting by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration of the storm signal number three, Marimon steered the ship to its normal course to Cebu.

According to them, MV Princess of the Stars went on while other vessels already took shelter at the height of the storm.

As a common carrier, according to the complainants, the respondents should have exercised extra care to prevent damages and injuries to their passengers. — Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)