Too Much To Bear?

Written on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 8:21 pm | by Ding G. Gagelonia

The fighting in Mindanao, the debate over the bungled Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, and yes, the highest inflation rate in 14 years of 12.5% are hugging the headlines, along with the extended presence of ‘visiting’ American troops in Zamboanga.

So it is understandable that the tragic sinking of MV Princess of the Stars  nearly three months ago has not been blipping much on our radar.

But now this reminder: Sulpicio’s MV Cotabato Princess being reportedly swept by strong currents to ram Iloilo’s pier (which is under renovation). causing estimated damages worth PhP 16M.

No  human casualties this time but a renewed blot on the shipping firm’s severely battered image.

There is movement on the ground with long-awaited salvage work on the ship wreck due to commence in several weeks at a cost of some P350-M to the owner, Sulpicio Lines. The Cebu-based shipping firm has recently reported that it has extended bereavement and other financial aid to more than 500 or is it 600 families of the dead and missing, many of whose remains are still entombed inside MV Princess of the Stars, once the lead vessel in Sulpicio’s fleet of inter-island passenger and cargo vessels.

There is also the matter of the ticking environmental time bomb, given Del Monte Philippines’ highly toxic cargo of the Israeli-manufactured endosulfan pesticide which, if it leaks together with some 200,000 liter of bunker fuel still in the overturned ship, could wreak untold harm to the rich fishing waters of the Visayas.

Both houses of Congress are also not done yet with their inquiries “in aid of legislation” and there is, of course, a pending Board of Marine Inquiry recommendation for Sulpicio’s franchise, its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) to be revoked.

So given these very dire circumstances, what does lie ahead for Sulpicio Lines?

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About The Author: Ding G. Gagelonia is a journalist of some 30 years, having worked in both radio and TV news and public affairs since his teens. Ding Gagelonia now writes independently and does corporate communications consulting. He has two kids, Felice and Luis. His journalist blog is at midfield.wordpress.com

Filed Under Business and Economy, Society

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Comments

4 Responses to “Too Much To Bear?”

  1. DJB on September 7th, 2008 9:29 am

    So much said, so little done.

    That seems to be the spirit of the times. We should place bets maybe on when that upturned hull, sticking out like dirty finger of self-mockery, will finally disappear from the Front Pages, primetime newscasts, and the index page of Filipino Voices.

    I’ll place a bet on Christmas, just to be optimistic-like.

  2. Ding G. Gagelonia on September 7th, 2008 9:40 am

    DJB,

    It’s almost as if there is a masochistic aspect to these cyclical incidents, with lessons ‘learned’ and then ‘unlearned’ when the issue’s shelf life has expired. Until the next jolting tragedy.

  3. Nick on September 7th, 2008 4:55 pm

    As for FV, we should not allow this to pass until this company is shut down, regulations are enforced, and the dead have justice..

    my cousin was a victim, and I shall be damned if I let this pass… at FV, this will not be overlooked….

  4. Ishmael Ahab on September 7th, 2008 5:20 pm

    What I worry the most about the upturned Princess of the Stars is the damage that it will do to the ecosystem of the seas of Visayas.

    Ang bagal naman kumilos ng kung sino man ang kukuha nga mga chemicals sa barko na yan.

    Kawawa naman ‘yung libo-libong aquatic organisms na madadale ng mga chemicals sa na ‘yan.

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