MARINA lifts suspension of 2 vessels

CEBU, Philippines - The suspension of the fleets of 2Go Travel and Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation (formerly Sulpicio Lines) by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has not affected business and economic situation in Cebu.

“No member has complained,” said Lito Maderazo, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) when asked by The Freeman on the possible effects of the suspension.

The CCCI has 700 member companies.

Last Saturday, MARINA Administrator Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. ordered the suspension of the fleets of the two shipping companies after the tragic collision between MV Thomas Aquinas of 2Go Shipping and MV Sulpicio Express Siete of Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. off Lawis Ledge in Talisay City last Friday.

Robert Go, member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Retailers Assoiation-Cebu Chapter and director for Visayas of the Pagasa Market Association, said the suspension of both shipping lines is like stopping businessmen from doing business.

But Go, who is also the Prince Warehouse Club president and chief executive officer, said that the suspension is not felt because it is just a matter of days.

Go revealed that they have stocks in one of Sulpicio’s vessels bound for Davao which are still on the boat.

“This would be felt if prolonged but just a few days will not bother much,” Go said

But he warned that the suspension might cause inflation as there is no delivery of basic goods from Cebu to other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

Yesterday, MARINA announced that it has lifted the suspension of two  vessels of 2Go Group, Inc. and Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. (PSACC) after they passed the re-inspection and additional audit conducted at the Port of Cebu.       

Cleared to sail again was the cargo vessel, MV San Pedro Calungsod of 2Go Group, Inc. The passenger vessel MV Princess of the South was also allowed to resume operation following the rectification of the major deficiencies noted during the first inspection.            

These ships joined the group of MV St. Anthony de Padua of 2Go Group, Inc. and the MV Princess of the Earth and MV Span Asia - 5 of PSACC that received favorable findings by the Cebu-based regional office of MARINA.   — (FREEMAN)