The Court of Appeals has upheld its decision ordering the former Sulpicio Lines Inc., now known as Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. (PSACC), to pay P136 million to 71 relatives of the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars victims as indemnity.
To recall, the ship sank off the coast of Romblon on June 21, 2008, resulting in 814 fatalities.
In its amended July 2025 decision, the court found gross negligence and bad faith on the part of SLI and its operators.
The resolution directed PSACC to pay the heirs and relatives of 71 victims P136,329,914.38.
The Public Attorney’s Office, representing the kin of the 71 victims in civil cases, lauded the amended decision.
The appellate court also awarded P400,000 in moral damages and P400,000 in exemplary damages to each of the four survivors — Gerardo Pelimer, Francisco Batula, Sosan Lisbo, and Rodel Laborte.
