JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday said the government is not keen on taking over the operations of Sulpicio Lines which owns the capsized MV Princess of the Stars.

He said the government lacks expertise in running a shipping company and might be blamed if the company incurs financial losses.

Besides, he said, the government might also be blamed if another tragedy involving the vessels owned by Sulpicio occurs.

Gonzalez said even President Arroyo does not want to take over private property unless it is "in the interest of the public."

"That’s why we have to put all kinds of safety standards and measures," he said.

Gonzalez told officials of Sulpicio Lines to stop tormenting the relatives of the victims with conflicting statements on compensation.

Gonzalez said Sulpicio Lines Inc. should be clear about the process for getting compensation, and stop the distribution of "waiver" forms.

He said that while Sulpicio has been promising it would pay P200,000, there have been reports of "waiver" forms circulating in Sulpicio’s compound in North Harbor, Manila.

Public Attorney’s Office head Persida Acosta on Wednesday complained that relatives were made to sign the forms that would give a "Special Power of Attorney."

The SPA would allow the attorney-in-fact to execute forms and collect and encash checks.

Senators also shot down the planned government takeover of Sulpicio, calling it "ridiculous."

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita has said that a government takeover of the operations of Sulpicio Lines "is an open option."

Sen. Mar Roxas said the Coast Guard should stop blaming Sulpicio since it gave clearance for the vessel to sail despite the harsh weather condition brought about by typhoon Frank.

"Siguro may pananagutan din yung Coast Guard, kasi sobrang maluwag ang kanilang mga reglamento," he said.

"Government should focus its energy and resources in finding out what’s wrong with the maritime industry, in setting up safety standards and ensuring this tragedy does not happen again! It has no business contemplating a takeover," said Sen. Pia Cayetano

"This idea of a takeover is ridiculous. Is passenger or cargo transport a government expertise? If the implementation of its present policies and rules can’t even prevent the recurrence of sea mishaps, how can it even think of running a shipping company? The government should focus on regulation and implementation," she said.

Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr. said he does not think that the government’s takeover of Sulpicio will improve the country’s record on maritime safety.

"Government has no business getting into private business. Its business is not to make money but to address the basic social needs of the people. The takeover of Sulpicio is not the answer," he said.

Nograles’ pronouncement effectively trashed the takeover proposal since the Supreme Court has decreed that Congress’ approval is mandatory for a government takeover of a private business.

Sulpicio spokeswoman Victoria Florido said government could not just take over their operations.

"Hindi po yan madalian. These things have constitutional parameters which must be determined by the proper authorities… meaning the courts."

Florido said a takeover should come only during national emergency situations and when required by public interest.