Lite Shipping sues Sulpicio for loss of cargo with Stars

CEBU, Philippines - Lite Shipping Corporation has filed a case against Sulpicio Lines, Inc. for the loss of its cargoes amounting to over P600,000 when SLI’s M/V Princess of the Stars sank at the height of typhoon “Frank” last year.

In its complaint, Lite Shipping said it lost 10 sheets of mild steel plates, which the bill of lading said amounted to P673,870. Lite Shipping had contracted SLI to ship the steel plates to Cebu through M/V Princess of the Stars and paid a freight fee of P15,857.

However, SLI allegedly still failed to pay its obligation for the cargoes until today.

Lite Shipping asked the court to order SLI to pay P673,870, representing the value of the shipment; P100,000 for exemplary damages; and attorney’s fees of P65,000.

Lite Shipping also asked the court to order SLI to refund the freight fee.

The M/V Princess of the Stars was on its way to Cebu last June 21, 2008 when it sank off Sibuyan Island at the height of typhoon “Frank”. Over 800 passengers and ship crew members perished in the tragedy.

The court earlier granted the motion of the Public Attorney’s Office to exhume the 36 unidentified cadavers for purposes of identifying them. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)