Multi-million damage suits vs. SLI

Sulpicio Lines Incorporated faces another batch of cases in relation to the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars almost two months ago.

Yesterday, the families of Ophelia Tigcom, Evelio Peralta Jr. and Glen Nomar Basnillo, all from Mindanao and whose bodies remain missing, filed separate cases for damages and breach of contract before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City against the SLI management and the ship’s captain, Florencio Marimon, who also remains missing.

The complainants were assisted by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and the Public Attorney’s Office. Chief public attorney Persida Rueda Acosta flew in from Manila to personally supervise the filing of the case.

Named as defendants include SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice president Eusebio Go, executive vice president and chief executive officer Carlos Go, senior vice president and secretary Victoriano Go, first vice presidents Dominador Go, Eduard Go and Edgar Go and first vice president and treasurer Richard Go.

Spouses Evelio and Luisa Peralta, Orlando and Anita Tigcom and Gloria Basnillo had demanded a total of P15.412 million worth of damages from the shipping firm.

The family of Tigcom is demanding P2.280 million actual damages, P800,000 moral and exemplary damages and P616,000 attorney’s fees.

Peralta’s family, on the other hand, is demanding P3.888 million actual damages, P800,000 moral and exemplary damages and P980,000 attorney’s fees.

Basnillo is also demanding P4.240 million actual damages, P800,000 moral and exemplary damages and P1.008 million attorney’s fees.

Acosta said the amounts being demanded by the complainants vary because they were arrived at after computing the income of the victim and their life expectancy.

This is also reportedly the reason why, instead of filing a class suit, the families of each victim have decided to sue independently.

SLI spokesperson Atty. Victoria Florido refused to comment on the matter, saying they have not received any formal communication regarding the complaints.

Acosta said five more cases will be filed on Thursday by another batch of families who sought their assistance.

So far, 13 cases have already been filed against SLI, nine of which were filed in Manila.

In a 16-page complaint, the family of Tigcom admitted that they already received P200,000 from SLI while Orlando and Anita Tigcom, who were represented by their other daughter Reventa Constantino, said they also received the money but were made to sign release and quitclaim as a condition that they would no longer file a case.

Despite this, however, the couple is firm to seek justice for the untimely demise of their daughter.

Acosta said the release and quitclaim signed by the representative of the complainant has no force and effect because it was done in bad faith and was not assisted by counsel of their own choice.

The complainants also contended that the P200,000 given to them did not come from SLI but from the insurance company, which insured each passenger of the vessel.   - Fred P. Languido and Cressida Paula G. Delmo/JMO