Another case lodged against Sulpicio

CEBU, Philippines - Another civil case was filed last Friday against the Sulpicio Lines Inc. in connection with the sinking of one of its passenger vessels off the waters of Romblon on June 21, 2008.

Mylene Taboada, resident of Bagacay, Catarman, Liloan, widow of an oiler who was working for the MV Princess of the Stars has filed civil damages of P2.599 million against the shipping company.

The latest suit was an add up to the more than 70 cases that were filed against the shipping company by the bereaved families of the victims of the tragedy that killed more than 800 people.

Mylene said that her husband, Rodulfo, who worked as an oiler of the ship, had an opportunity to talk to her before the tragedy and was excited to inform her that he is coming with a dress and sandals that he brought for their daughter.

But Rodulfo was no longer able to give his present to their daughter after the MV Princess of the Stars sank in the vicinity of Sibuyan Island in Romblon while super typhoon “Frank” was ravaging the Visayas region.

The widow has asked P2.599 million in actual and compensatory damages and P800,000 in moral and exemplary damages. She is also asking 20 percent worth of attorneys fees.

Named respondents in the suit were Capt. Florencio Marimon, the ship master of the MV Princess of the Stars; Enrique S. Go., SLI president; Eusebio S. Go, executive vice-president; Carlos S. Go, executive vice-president and chief executive officer; Victoriano S. Go, senior vice-president and secretary; Dominador S. Go, 1st vice-president; Ricardo S. Go, 1st vice president and treasurer; Edward S. Go, 1st vice-president, and the directors officers of the shipping firm.

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

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.

There were more than 850 people on board the ship, which came from Manila en route to Cebu, when the tragic incident happened at the height of typhoon “Frank” almost two years ago.

Lawyer Persida Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), which is handling the civil cases filed against the shipping company, earlier said the piece meal filing of cases was not deliberate.She explained that it is based on the decision of the Supreme Court that “it is practical and beneficial that there will be no class suit.”

Acosta said that the perished passengers have different circumstances so it is better to file the cases individually.

According to the PAO, it is personally handling the 74 civil cases filed against Sulpicio Lines executives in Manila and Cebu relative to the MV Princess of the Stars maritime tragedy. — Jasmin U. Labaco/WAB (THE FREEMAN)