Cebu archbishop opposes appeals to halt Sulpicio Lines operations

MANILA, Philippines - Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars, found an ally of sorts in Cebu archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who frowned on calls to revoke the shipping firm's franchise and permanently halt its operations. But dzBB radio's Cebu affiliate reported that according to Vidal, stopping Sulpicio's operations altogether will affect the economy as it accounts for 40 percent of the country's shipping operations. The report, however, said that while Vidal said Sulpicio's operations should continue, he also supported an investigation into the latest tragedy involving one of Sulpicio Lines' vessels that left 259 dead and over 500 others missing. Vidal also called on Sulpicio to undertake reforms within its management to at least prevent a repeat of the tragedy involving the MV Princess of the Stars. MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon last June 21 at the height of typhoon "Frank." Government has allowed Sulpicio's cargo operations to resume, but not its passenger ship operations. - GMANews.TV