MV Princess of the Stars survivors, victims’ kin still after justice

Ten years after MV Princess of the Stars capsized and sank in waters off Romblon, survivors and victims' loved ones are still waiting for justice to be fully served.

Rodel Laborte is one of the 32 survivors of the tragedy that happened as Typhoon Frank wreaked havoc in 2008.

The ill-fated ship, bound for Cebu on June 20, 2008, capsized in the waters of Sibuyan, which at that time was the center of Typhoon Frank.

Laborte's three uncles—Albino, Emilio, and Teresito—were among the over 800 who have either died or remained missing.

"Nakita ko ang lakas ng hangin, tapos 'yung mga higaan nagsiliparan na 'yun. Hindi mo na talaga kayang pumunta pa roon, sa lakas ng hangin kaya kang liparin," Rodel recalled in a Reporter's Notebook episode.

"Dahil maalon na, bumalik ako sa taas. Doon ko na nakita 'yung life raft, may nalaglag na life raft. Lumapit ako doon, doon ako sumakay," he added.

In August 2008, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended that Sulpicio Lines' owner, Edgardo Go, be slapped with charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, damage to property, and serious physical injury.

It December 2009, the firm changed its name to Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation and expanded to become a domestic shipping company.

The Court of Appeals, in April 2013, junked a criminal case against Go, saying that the DOJ erred when it held Go liable for not ordering the ship to seek shelter at the height of the storm.

The decision, however, was questioned by complainants before the Supreme Court. 

"Binasura ng Court of Appeals pero dinala namin sa Supreme Court. Kasi pano mababasura 'yun? Sa pamamagitan ng apela eh sampung testigo na ang naiprisinta?" said Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta. 

In October 2015, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 49 directed Sulpicio Lines to pay P241 million worth of damages to more than 60 claimants. 

The management of Sulpicio Lines has since appealed the court ruling.

In June 18, the appelate court ruled that Sulpicio Lines may no longer carry and transport passengers as ordered by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Rodel welcomed the development but still wanted the company to pay the survivors and relatives of those who died in the accident.

"Ang hinahabol namin ngayon, mabayaran sana 'yung mga victims, 'yung danyos na kailangang bayaran," Rodel said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News