Sulpicio Lines owner pleads not guilty to criminal raps

MANILA, Philippines - The owner of Sulpicio Lines Inc. yesterday pleaded not guilty to criminal charges filed against him before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the capsizing of M/V Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Island in Romblon in June 2008.

Sulpicio Lines vice president Edgar Go pleaded not guilty to reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and damage to property during his arraignment yesterday morning before RTC Branch 21 presided over by Judge Amor Reyes.

Lawyer Persida Rueda Acosta, who represents the victims’ families, said the pre-trial was set by the judge on Sept. 27.

Acosta said the families have expressed joy over the continuation of the case, citing that lawyers of Sulpicio Lines have tried several times to delay the case.

Acosta said they will not stop running after Sulpicio Lines, which has been renamed the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp.

Families of the victims filed a damage suit against Sulpicio Lines following the sinking of Princess of the Stars on June 21, 2008 during the height of typhoon “Frank.”

Authorities said more than 800 passengers and crew died in the incident, considered one of the worst sea tragedies in history.

The bodies of some of the victims have yet to be found.

State prosecutors earlier said the incident happened because of the severe weather condition prevailing at the time.

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) were raised in different parts of the country, including the areas where Princess of the Stars would be navigating en route to Cebu.

In order to secure departure clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), ship captain Florencio Marimon Sr. presented an alternate voyage plan or alternate route passing west of Tablas Strait which would not be affected by the severe weather condition.

But upon getting clearance from the PCG, Marimon instead proceeded to navigate along the vessel’s regular route to Cebu, without due regard for the safety of his passengers and cargo, DOJ prosecutors said.

The ship also did not take shelter or drop anchor, despite having received Severe Weather Bulletin No. 9, issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) at around 11 p.m. of June 20, 2008.

The advisory indicated that typhoon signal was raised further in the provinces of Masbate, Biliran, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro, which were along the vessel’s route.

Princess of the Stars eventually sailed into the eye of the typhoon in the vicinity of Sibuyan Island in Romblon.

The vessel experienced very rough seas buffeted by strong winds, causing it to capsize.

On the other hand, the prosecutors said Go and several “John Does,” being responsible officers of Sulpicio Lines, were tasked to ensure the safe passage of the vessel and the safety of its passengers and cargo.

They, however, failed to give instruction to Marimon to take shelter and drop anchor or to return to the Port of Manila.