Lifting of suspension against SLI may be delayed

CEBU, Philippines – The lifting of the suspension order against Sulpicio Lines Inc. vessels may be delayed, as the Maritime Industry Authority is still finalizing the auditing of all ships, Transportation Undersecretary Thompson Lantion said.

Lantion, who was here during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P394-million Philippine Coast Guard–Greater Maritime Assistance Support Base in barangay Punta Engano, said they are still in the audit process of the ships owned by SLI.

According to Lantion, the audit will determine if the ships are seaworthy, after the M/V Princess of the Stars tragedy last June 21, 2008.

Although its passenger vessels were grounded, the cargo vessels owned by SLI were allowed to travel months after the sea tragedy.

Lantion admitted that the management of SLI and other sectors appealed their office to lift the suspension, but maintained that they cannot act on their appeal while waiting for the completion of the audit.

Aside from seaworthiness, the audit will also gauge the training of its crew and the company’s compliance of existing laws like the insurance for its personnel.

The M/V Princess of the Stars, which carried more than 800 passengers and crew members, capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank.

The Associated Labor Union said the suspension led to the retrenchment of more than 2,000 SLI crewmembers who are mostly union members.

MARINA administrator Maria Elena Bautista said her agency and the Philippine Coast Guard have started joint inspections of SLI vessels to determine their compliance. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)