Marina eyes decision on Sulpicio Lines’ fate by next week

The fate of Sulpicio Lines, Inc. after the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy may be known next week, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said Wednesday. Marina administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. said they will adopt as "input" the findings of the Board of Marine Inquiry that recommended the suspension of shipping lines’ franchise.

"Meron kaming hiwalay na hearing na ginagampanan regarding the suspension of franchise of Sulpicio. Itong decision galing sa BMI will be an input to the ongoing hearing (We have our own hearings on the suspension of Sulpicio's franchise. The BMI decision will be an input to our ongoing hearing)," Suazo said in an interview on dzXL radio.

When asked when the Marina expects to come up with its report on the matter, he said it may come out as early as next week, barring additional postponements. He did not elaborate on what these "postponements" would be.

"Ongoing pa, sinusubukan naming tapusin itong linggo. Pero malamang kasi may mga postponements, most likely mga next week na yan (We want to finish it this week but because of many postponements, we may come out with it next week)," he said. Suazo, on the other hand, said they will also take into consideration the complaints and grievances of relatives of some 800 passengers of the ill-fated ship.

The MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon after encountering waves brought by Typhoon Frank last June. On Tuesday, the BMI recommended the suspension of Sulpicio's franchise after finding it neglected to perform its duties.

"Ang pamilya ng biktima, nag-file sila ng case against Sulpicio. Kino-combine namin lahat yan para di na gagawa ng separate hearing sa reklamo ng pamilya (Victims' relatives had filed civil cases against Sulpicio. We are factoring those in too, so we don't have to conduct separate hearings for them)," Suazo said.