Monday, July 07, 2008 (Philippines)

Commuters face an impending fare increase, after 18 rounds of fuel price hikes so far. (Sun.star photo/Amper Campaña) A LOWER House committee wants to find out whet-her or not the mv Princess of the Stars was in good condition when it sailed directly into the path of typhoon Frank and sank off Romblon Province last June 21. In a fact-finding inquiry today, the House committee on transportation will also verify reports on defects of the Sulpicio Lines Inc. vessel, including the ship design and the lack of communication equipment Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City, south district) said he consulted 88 relatives of victims of the Princess of the Stars sinking at his residence yesterday to gather information that can be used during the inquiry. [full story]