Manila court clears owner of sunken MV Princess of the Stars

CEBU, Philippines —  Thirteen years after the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars, the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has absolved Edgar Go, “owner” of Sulpicio Lines Inc. (SLI), of any liability over the 2008 tragedy.

RTC Branch 54 Presiding Judge Maria Paz Reyes-Yson, in her 13-page decision dated November 18, 2021, said there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that accused Go of reckless imprudence, resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries, and damage to properties.

 “The Prosecution presented testimonial evidence to support the indictment. However, the knowledge of the witnesses presented is limited to the sinking of the ship. There is nothing in the evidence that proves the culpability of accused Go,” the court said.

The court said any reference to Go is merely an allegation that he is the owner of Sulpicio Line and that he was present in the office when the witnesses received the insurance benefits.

In other words, the court said the witnesses do not have personal knowledge of the commission of any act or any omission on the part of Go.

 “They neither saw nor heard him give any instruction that led to the sinking of the vessel. Neither was there any reference to his alleged act or omission,” the court said adding that “the prosecution’s evidence is even bereft of proof of the authority of Go in Sulpicio Lines Inc”.

The court also ruled that the demurrer to evidence filed by Go dated October 27, 2021 is granted.

The passenger-cargo liner vessel owned and operated by SLI capsized in the vicinity of Sibuyan Island in Romblon while enroute from Manila to Cebu on its Voyage No. 392 which resulted in the death of 800 passengers.

It capsized and sank on June 21, 2008 at the height of Typhoon Frank. — KQD (FREEMAN)