This was a phrase blurted out by a distraught relative, Teresa Hiyas, who lost both of her parents in the ill fated MV Princess of the Stars. Relatives of the victims complained of the utter lack of action and information on the part of Sulpicio Lines Inc.

I watched the new program of Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez last night “Harapan” on ABS CBN news when another relative, Heide Laurel, who lost both of her parents and 5 siblings, on the way Sulpicio Lines treated them. There were no company officials who faced them and at least comfort them. Worse, when they insist on their demands for more information, the guards of the company were seen drawing their guns.

These callous acts of Sulpicio only showed their business as usual attitude even if their ship have caused the loss of thousands of lives. Perhaps Sulpicio Lines owners are getting used to this incident that they treat it as if nothing happens.

I witnessed how Sulpicio conduct its business. They shouted their employees as if they are dogs when they are in port. The salaries too are not that compensating given the hardwork that they are giving. “Barat” is the term for that. Stingy in English. It seems that there is an exploitative culture in the said company. With employees not fairly treated and not fairly compensated, how can one expect a quality professionalized service.

Look, many vessels, smaller than Princess of the Stars have managed to survive typhoons. Ocean going vessels which are well maintained and well manned can maneuver themselves well even in bad weather and while sailing in open seas. Which makes one wonder why a ship as big as Princess of the Stars will sink in a sea surrounded by islands.

I guess its not about its vessels. Its a question of how they maintained their ships and handle their manpower. It also boils down on their priorities. Profit or Safety? Actual happenings would show that Sulpicio Lines prefer profit over safety for how can you explain the repeated tragedies involving even the best of their fleet? How can you explain its insistence on sailing despite the stormy weather? They have no concern for the safety of the passengers. All they think about is money, profits and more money and more profits.

As long as Sulpicio Lines Inc. value more of their profits rather than the safety of its passengers, tragedies like this will happen again. Its just a matter of time.

The suggestion of some lawmakers to permanently revoke the franchise of Sulpicio is sound. We cant allow this too much profit oriented company to cause the loss of lives of more Filipinos and repeat the tragic deaths of their loved ones.

The time is now. SULPICIO LINES FRANCHISE SHOULD BE REVOKED! I hope Malacanang will be politically strong enough to take action.

Malacanang should not give in to pressures, particularly the financial aspect. Its time also it should shed its whore image.