TUCP urges Marina to lift suspension of SLI vessels

CEBU, Philippines - A year after the tragic sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is urging the Maritine Industry Authority to lift the suspension order on the vessels of Sulpicio Lines, Inc.

In a resolution passed before the House of Representatives, TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond Mendoza said the shipping industry “had been dragged much further into the pit” after MARINA suspended the fleets of Aboitiz Transport System following the sinking of the SuperFerry 9 last September 6.

“The riding public as well has to suffer much due to these unfortunate events,” Mendoza said.

The Freeman learned that more than 500 crewmembers of Sulpicio Lines were gravely affected by the suspension with some of the workers allegedly abandoned by their families because they could no longer provide for them.

“Gumikan sa kalisod ug wala na’y pagkaon, daghan sa mga bana ang gibiyaan sa ilang mga asawa dala ang ilang mga anak kay lisod na man kaayo,” Mendoza added.

One year after the tragedy, Mendoza contended that MARINA should have already finished its investigation into the Stars sinking and wrapped up its audit on the ships of Sulpicio Lines.

He alleged that red tape and bureaucracy are the main culprits of the “snail-like” investigations, which has caused much delay at the expense of the workers.

Mendoza said that while the incident last year was indeed tragic, the affected workers of Sulpicio have suffered enough and that it is about time they be allowed to return to work.

Just last week, business owners in Cebu called on MARINA to allow the Aboitiz ships to sail, saying “the Cebu business sector is anxious.”

“Business, at this point, is still trying to cope with the inconvenience, disruption and higher shipping costs brought about by the suspension of the Sulpicio passenger operations. Now, the situation is further compounded by the suspension of the Superferry passenger fleet,” the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said.

Aside from suspending the fleets, MARINA also disallowed officers and crew of the ill-fated SuperFerry 9 from serving in other passenger ships.

Based on the order issued by MARINA, the Seaman’s book and Qualification Document Certificate of all crew members have been suspended. – Jose P. Sollano /JMO   (THE FREEMAN)