Tuesday, September 30, 2008
20th suit filed v. SLI by singer’s kin
“VIBRANT, beautiful” thirty-two-year-old Annaliza Ouano’s fans and family will never hear her sing anymore.
Her family believes that her body is among hundreds trapped underwater inside the sunken mv Princess of the Stars.
For this, parents Bienvenido and Felisa Ouano filed the 20th civil suit leveled against Sulpicio Lines, Inc. (SLI) in Cebu, claiming at least P14 million in damages.
They said Analiza, among their nine children, was the family’s breadwinner. She earned P36,000 a month performing to audiences in South Korea.
Twelve years ago, when she was 20, Annaliza began her career as a lead singer of a band.
Through their Manila-based manager, they brought their music to Brazil and Poland, performing in clubs, parties and gigs.
Homecoming
It was in 2001 when the band finally found their niche in South Korea. They have been performing there ever since.
Being contractual workers, the group had to come home to the Philippines every four years in order to renew their visa.
That was the purpose for Annaliza’s homecoming last May 8. She had come to Cebu, where her family lived, and then to Manila to process her papers for Korea again.
Felisa accompanied Annaliza to the airport last June 15. When Annaliza arrived at the Korean embassy in Manila, she called her mother, and that was the last time Felisa heard her daughter’s voice.
It was their neighbor, Christy Adlawan, who confirmed to them on June 23 that indeed, Annaliza’s name was among those listed in the passenger manifest of the Princess of the Stars.
“At the time of her death, plaintiff’s daughter Annaliza Ouano was only 32 years old, single, vibrant, beautiful and with a promising career in the entertainment industry.
She was the breadwinner of the family and sent remittances to plaintiffs on a regular basis,” the complaint read.
Negligence
They then claimed P13,824,000 in actual damages, P400,000 in moral damages and P400,000 in exemplary damages.
They filed the suit against captain Florencio Marimon (deceased), SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice president Eusebio Go, executive vice president and chief executive officer Carlos Go, senior vice president and secretary Victoriano Go, first vice president Dominador Go, first vice president and treasurer Ricardo Go and first vice presidents Edward and Edgar Go.
Like the 19 previous cases, they accused the defendants of gross negligence.
Meanwhile, Cebu Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Maria G-Ree Calinawan said that SLI in Manila has opposed a motion for consolidation of all civil suits filed for the Stars sinking.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has authorized the PAO to represent relatives of the victims.
In Cebu, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judges Geraldine Faith Econg, Douglas A.C. Marigomen and Sylva Aguire-Paderanga have already approved the motion for consolidation.
Calinawan explained, though, that SLI, as well as RTC Judge Soliver Peras, may still oppose the move.
It was to Peras’ sala where the first civil suit filed in Cebu was raffled off, thereby making his the court of choice for the cases to be consolidated. (KAB)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 30, 2008 issue)
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