Seaman's parents seek P25M damages vs SLI

CEBU - The parents of a seaman from Tanke, Talisay City yesterday filed the 22nd case against Sulpicio Lines Inc. in connection with the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars last June 21.

Spouses Edgardo and Chuchie Gabison filed a civil suit seeking for P25,440,000 for actual and compensatory damages including moral damages amounting to P800,000 against SLI ship captain Florencio Marimon, 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 President Dominador Go, First Vice President and Treasurer Ricardo Go, First Vice President Edward Go and Edgar Go.

On top of the moral damages, the Gabisons also asked for an attorney’s fee of 20 percent of the adjudged monetary award.

In their affidavit, the couple said that their son, Jonathan Gabison, boarded the MV Princess of the Stars at pier 12 in Manila on June 20 on his way to Cebu. Jonathan went to Manila to get the schedule for his work as seaman for the Roman Caribbean International.

After they confirmed that their son was involved in the tragedy, the couple said SLI released insurance proceeds to them in the amount of P200,000 but not before compelling them to sign the shipping company’s “unilaterally prepared” release and quitclaim, which allegedly absolved completely the company from any liability as a result of their son’s death.

The couple cited the company’s insurance policy, which states that “benefits shall be paid whether the insured is legally liable or not.” Further, it said that “payments made under the policy shall not free the insured from any other liability that may be imposed on the insured as the common carrier by any party authorized by law.”

By making them sign the release and quitclaim, the Gabisons said they believe the release of the insurance claims is tantamount to bad faith on part of the SLI. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)