Marina warns Sulpicio against having victims' kin sign compensation waivers

MANILA, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on Monday warned Sulpicio Lines, Inc. - the owner of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars - against having the victims' kin to sign documents waiving their claims to compensation. Radio dzBB reported that according to Marina, the family of victims listed on the vessel's manifest are entitled to receive P200,000 in insurance compensation. Marina said the insurance policy with Oriental Assurance, valid from Aug. 16, 2007 to Aug. 15 this year, also entitles the kin to additional benefits as well. These include an added P20,000 in burial benefits and another P20,000 in repatriation expenses. On the other hand, injured passengers are entitled to an added P50,000 compensation. Marina said the insurance policy also said payment of these damages will not remove Sulpicio's liability as a common carrier. However, Marina did not make clear if Sulpicio's having kin sign the waivers will result in its franchise being revoked. Marina is the agency that issued a franchise to Sulpicio. Last week, the Public Attorney's Office said Sulpicio had kin of victims sign blank forms granting an unnamed attorney-in-fact a Special Power of Attorney to collect money and execute documents on their behalf. Sulpicio had since denied the charges. - GMANews.TV