Thursday, July 10, 2008 (Philippines)

BUSINESS PROBLEM. Gov. Gwen Garcia (left) talks with officials of six business organizations.(Capitol photo) AUTHORITIES are being asked to allow Sulpicio Lines Inc. to resume operating its passenger vessels but only to transport cargo. Business groups complained about the shortage of ships in Central Visayas to transport cargo, ever since government grounded Sulpicio Lines’ fleet after its flagship vessel sank in stormy weather last June 21. “We are now experiencing inventory problems and higher freight costs resulting to higher prices of goods-particularly rice, meat, poultry, fish, milk, fruits and vegetables,” said a joint resolution of six business chambers. [full story]