CA upholds P230M damages ruling vs. Sulpicio Lines

The Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling ordering the owners of Sulpicio Lines to pay P230 million in damages to victims and families affected by the sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars in 2008.

The passenger-cargo liner capsized during Typhoon Frank, resulting in over 200 deaths and hundreds missing.

In a 237-page decision, the CA's Fourteenth Division upheld the September 18, 2015 ruling by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 49 that awarded damages and attorney fees to the complainants.

The court emphasized that Sulpicio Lines failed in its duty as a common carrier to safely transport passengers from Manila to Cebu, creating a presumption of negligence.

The CA also declared invalid the release and quitclaim signed by the complainants, stating it did not exempt Sulpicio Lines from liability for their negligence.

The total amount awarded will accrue 6% interest per annum from the finality of the decision until full payment is made.