It’s been seven years since he lost his cousin and 3-year-old niece when the MV Princess of the Stars sank in the waters off Romblon during the height of typhoon “Frank” on Jun. 21, 2008.
“I don’t think the pain will go away. In fact, as one of those whose loved ones died in the sea mishap, you can’t help but become emotional,” 42-year-old Manila-based hairstylist Levi Samuel told Cebu Daily News over the phone yesterday.
Lawyer Persida Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office, said the civil case filed against Sulpicio Lines Inc. (now known as Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp.) in Manila is submitted for decision.
“We are really doing our best to render justice to families of the victims. But there are just factors which are inevitable,” Acosta said.
He said the 2013 strong earthquake which displaced the trial courts in Cebu City delayed the proceedings.
In Cebu City, 63 cases were filed in court. Of that number, 59 cases are still pending in the sala of Judge Sylva Aguirre-Paderanga of the Regional Trial Court Branch 16.
PAO Regional Director Ma. G-Ree Calinawan said the prosecution has yet to finish presenting their witnesses.
“Hopefully, by the end of the year, the prosecution will finish presenting all its witnesses,” she said.
Four of the cases in Cebu City were dismissed in other courts.