Sulpicio cleared to resume cargo operations once it passes Marina audit

MANILA, Philippines - Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars, was given the virtual green light Wednesday afternoon to resume cargo operations following a meeting between its officials and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Cebu. Radio dzRH's Cebu affiliate reported that at least eight ships owned by Sulpicio Lines may start plying their routes as early as Thursday, granting they pass an audit by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). The report said President Arroyo cleared Sulpicio to resume cargo operations following a meeting with Sulpicio officials and other shipowners at the Malacañang of the South. Sulpicio's operations were suspended late June after the MV Princess of the Stars capsized last June 21 off Romblon at the height of typhoon "Frank." For her part, Transportation Undersecretary Elena Bautista, head of a task force looking into the tragedy, said the decision allowing Sulpicio Lines to resume cargo operations soon stemmed from the shipowners' claim that the firm's suspension caused a vacuum in the shipping industry. Earlier reports said Sulpicio accounts for some 45% of cargo operations in the country. Meanwhile, the report said President Arroyo ordered Social Welfare secretary Esperanza Cabral to provide assistance to Sulpicio employees who lost their jobs due to the suspension. There were, however, no mention in the report regarding the refloating of the capsized vessel and the removal of the toxic endosulfan cargo still inside the vessel. Various groups have earlier expressed concern over delays in the salvaging of the ship and removal of the toxic cargo, saying its prolonged exposure to underwater conditions increase the possibility of the chemical leaking into the sea. - GMANews.TV