PAO sets limit on filing case against Sulpicio

CEBU, Philippines – In the interest of fairness, the Public Attorney’s Office has set a deadline to those who intend to file a case against Sulpicio Lines Inc. in relation to the June 2008 sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars.

PAO Regional Director Maria Gree Calinawan said yesterday they have given those who intend to seek PAO assistance in filing a case until April 30 to do so, and that subsequent requests for assistance would be treated at a case-to-case basis.

Calinawan said this is intended for the consolidated cases in court to proceed with the hearings. The cases are now pending before the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras.

“This is to be fair for those who have already filed the case. With consolidation, we need to wait for the others to file cases so in order for us to move forward, we have to set a date for filing,” Calinawan said.

“Technically we are not allowed to decline but since we also have to consider those who have filed already. We have decided that those who are interested should do it before April 30,” she added.

Those who will seek PAO assistance after April 30 would have to apply for “indigency” for the office to accept the requests.

PAO started accepting cases against SLI since August last year. Of the 44 cases filed in court, only six are reportedly answered by Sulpicio.

Aside from SLI, two officials and a petty officer of the Philippine Coast Guard are now facing graft and other charges in connection with the sinking.

The M/V Princess of the Stars sank off Sibuyan Island near Romblon at the height of typhoon “Frank”.

The Ombudsman’s field investigation office had found ample evidence to pursue the indictment of PCG National Capital Region-Central Luzon district commander Luis Tuazon, Manila station commander Erwin Balagtas, and petty officer Rizalde Sardan for their alleged liability in the maritime tragedy that left some 400 passengers and crewmembers dead. – Jasmin R. Uy with Iris Christine Cornito and Angelica Odias (THE FREEMAN)