PAO bares ‘scare’ tactics by Sulpicio; lawyer denies claim

MANILA, Philippines - Relatives of the MV Princess of the Stars passengers are accusing Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of the capsized vessel, of allegedly using scare tactics to keep them from filing charges which the shipping line's lawyer denied. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo on Friday reported that Public Attorney's Office (PAO) head Persida Acosta said the relatives told her about Sulpicio lawyer Arthur Lim's "reminders" to them. The report quoted Acosta as saying that she was told by the victims' relatives of Lim's reminder to them that they should no longer pursue charges because they already received P200,000 from Sulpicio. Acosta said she advised the relatives not to be intimidated because the P200,000 is the standard insurance fee. She said the relatives had told her that Sulpicio's Lim would threaten them with legal action because they already agreed not to pursue charges against Sulpicio after receiving the money. But in an interview with GMANews.TV Friday, Lim said he is not the kind of lawyer who say such words to the kin of the victims of the capsized ship. "I didn’t say that. I deny saying that. She (Acosta) is putting words into my mouth which is very unsanitary," Lim said. Lim said he has no contact with the relatives of the victims so there is no way that he can threaten them. "I will not make such statement. I am not that kind of lawyer," Lim said adding that only irresponsible lawyers would do that. Earlier, Acosta disclosed that Sulpicio made relatives sign a blank piece of paper that granted special powers of attorney to unnamed lawyers. Sulpicio also allegedly had the relatives sign agreements waiving their rights to pursue charges against Sulpicio upon receipt of P200,000. On Thursday, the first wave of civil suits against Sulpicio was filed before the Manila regional trial court. - with a report from Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV