DoJ chief warns ferry victims’ kin vs signing blank SPAs
By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 19:52:00 07/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has cautioned the relatives of MV Princess of the Stars victims against signing any "blank special power of attorney" without the presence of government lawyers.
Gonzalez said Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of the ferry that sank in stormy seas off Romblon, could use the legal document for quit claim purposes and the relatives risk losing the P200,000 compensation being offered by the shipping firm.
He advised the victims’ kin to only sign the document in the presence of counsels from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) following reports that “blank special power of attorney” documents were being distributed.
"They should not sign any documents without seeking advice from PAO lawyers," Gonzalez said.
He said that with the quit claim, the "attorney-in-fact" could settle for a much lower amount of reparation, as he warned that those behind the move would be investigated.
"If Sulpicio line is behind this, it will be aggravating for them because it is proof of bad faith on their dealing with the families of the victims,” he said. “It opens possible legal ethics violations charges against lawyers assisting them."
The inter-island vessel Princes of the Stars went down when it sailed into the eye of Typhoon Frank (international codename: Fengshen) on June 21, with more than 800 passengers and crew on board. Only 57 have been found alive.
Sulpicio legal counsel Ma. Victoria Lim-Florido denied that the company was aware of the SPAs as she called on claimants to be vigilant, saying there might be “fixers” trying to take advantage of the situation.
"Do not allow to be taken advantage of," FLorido said, adding that they do not need to employ the services of lawyers since the company wants the process to be as simple as possible.
Relatives began claiming the money at SLI's Manila Office at Pier 12 of Manila North Harbor last Monday and help-desk volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development have been assisting in the processing of claims.
Claimants need to present documents like birth certificates, marriage contracts, and valid IDs. With Katherine Evangelista
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