17th case filed against Sulpicio

CEBU - Another civil charge has been filed yesterday against Sulpicio Lines Inc. in relation to the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars off Romblon last June 21.

The charge brings to 17 the cases filed against SLI so far.

Reynold Labang, of barangay Labangon, Cebu City, has asked SLI to pay him P1.1 million in actual and compensatory damages, P50,000 in civil indemnity and P1.6 million in moral and exemplary damages for the death of his wife Juanita and their son Cesar Labang who were on the sunken ship.

Labang filed charges of gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract against the shipping company, ship captain Florencio Marimon, SLI President Enrique Go, Executive Vice President Carlos Go, VP and Chief Executive Eusebio Go, Senior VP Victorino Go and other vice presidents Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go and Edgar Go.

The shipping company was also asked to pay 20 percent of the total monetary award as attorney’s fees pursuant to RA 9406 or the Public Attorney’s Office Law.

PAO, through chief public attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, assisted the plaintiffs in filing the charges.

Labang said the sinking was brought by the company’s gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract.

In their complaint, Labang said that SLI released their insurance amounting to P400,000 for the two victims but not before compelling him to sign SLI’s prepared release and quitclaim absolving the company from any liability to the complainant for the death of his wife and children.

Meanwhile, couple Andres and Emilia Anit yesterday filed their motion to append attached verification and certification of non-forum shopping before the sala of Judge Geraldine Faith Econg yesterday.

The couple said that they have filed an administrative case against SLI with the Department of Transportation and Communications-Maritime Industry Authority and of the Department of Justice for their criminal case against the shipping company. — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)