PRESS Undersecretary and Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez assured victims of the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars that the case against Sulpicio Lines Incorporated (SLI) would proceed despite recommendations to lift the suspension against one of its passenger vessels.

Golez, in an interview by Radyo ng Bayan, said the six other passenger vessels of Sulpicio remains suspended and is undergoing safety check-up to ensure that it would meet international safety standards when finally allowed to sail.

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He assured that procedures would strictly be complied before any vessel is allowed to sail to ensure the safety of the riding public.

"It doesn't end there. The suspension of the vessels of Sulpicio will be separated from other cases like the sinking of Princess of The Stars. The case will not be affected, the case will still continue," he said.

Victims of the Princess of the Stars expressed concern after the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on October 29 lifted the suspension on M/V Princess of the South allowing it to finally operate after passing international safety standards and complying with a $1.5 million indemnity requirement in case of a wreck or sinking.

The Princess of the South is a 1,334-passenger vessel and among the seven SLI vessels grounded following the sinking of Princess of the Stars off the coast of Masbate in June 2008.(JMR/Sunnex)