Sulpicio files P5.5-M suit vs logistics firm

Sulpicio Lines Inc. (SLI) has filed an amended complaint that includes a P5.5-million damage suit against the firm that placed the toxic endosulfan shipment of Del Monte Philippines Inc. aboard the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars.

In filing the case, SLI lawyer Arthur Lim said Ceva Logistics Inc. did not inform the shipping firm of the toxic nature of the Del Monte shipment bound for Cagayan de Oro City.

However, Clerk of Court Raul dela Cruz said the Manila Regional Trial Court will hear on Monday whether SLI can amend its complaint to include Ceva.

“If it denies the motion, then Ceva will not be included in the complaint anymore,” he said.

In the amended complaint, SLI claimed Ceva and Del Monte failed to comply with its contractual and legal obligation to fully disclose the toxic character of its shipment.

The SLI said Del Monte filled up a bill of lading on June 18 for the shipment, which was said to contain “400 Box Endosulfan Technical 94 percent Min.”

The SLI said they were not aware endosulfan was toxic, and was only informed by Del Monte when it received a letter from the food firm on June 25.

The SLI said the two firms’ “deceit and non-disclosure” led the plaintiff to believe the endosulfan shipment was a regular cargo. They said had the cargo been properly declared, the SLI would have loaded it in one of its cargo vessels.

SLI filed last July 7 before the Manila RTC a case for damages against Del Monte for allegedly not disclosing the toxic nature of the endosulfan shipment.