MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang will be right behind the government’s weather bureau when it battles in court Sulpicio Lines Inc., which accused the agency of having given inaccurate forecast on typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen), a Palace spokesman said Tuesday.

Sulpicio filed a P3-million damage suit at the Manila regional trial court against the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for "gross negligence and incompetence" in predicting the typhoon's path which resulted in the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars off the coast of Romblon last June 21 with over 800 passengers and crew on board.

Palace Deputy Spokesman Anthony Golez said the move of Sulpicio was "predictable," but added that PAGASA could prove that it had not been negligent.

"We believe PAGASA would have all the objective data and evidence that would say that they have given the warning to different stakeholders, Sulpicio Lines included," said Golez, who is also spokesman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

Golez said Malacañang was confident the court would give due process to all parties and resolve the issue.

The Board of Marine Inquiry said the ill-fated ferry sailed into the eye of the storm instead of taking shelter.

PAGASA said the typhoon, which was supposed to hover along the
Bicol region, suddenly changed path and hit Romblon and the provinces
on Panay Island in the Visayas.