Previous Story
Judge orders Gregory to disclose his MPLA billings
|
Posted on Jun 03 2006
Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth Govendo gave Attorney General Matthew T. Gregory until June 16 to submit his attorney’s billing statement for his previous private representation in a lawsuit filed against the defunct Marianas Public Lands Authority.
Govendo said if Gregory fails to file such billings, he should explain to the court why he should not be held in contempt.
“Mr. Gregory is not above the law,” said the judge.
Press secretary Charles Reyes said that Gregory had consulted with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial about the issue and that the governor has told him to let the law take its course.
“He [Fitial] said that we have to let the law takes its course on this and that the merits of the case should be discussed in court,” said Reyes.
He said the administration does not plan to hinder this case.
PUBLIC FUNDS
Govendo had pointed out that it has been his practice and continue to be his practice until he is told not to, “to let the public know how much public money is spent unintelligently.”
“If you think you are going to get away with it, then you are wrong at least in this court,” he said, stressing that all lawyers should be aware of it.
Govendo said being paid by public funds is public record.
The judge had stated in the beginning of the proceedings in the MPLA case that he would ask to divulge all attorneys’ fees.
Govendo originally issued an order on April 13, 2006 about the disclosure of billings. Gregory then filed a request to continue the hearing because he was out of town.
Later, Gregory filed an opposition, asserting that the court does not have the power to do so.
The issue was scheduled on May 26, but Gregory was not present.
Attorney Sean Frink, counsel for former MPLA commissioner Henry Hofschneider appeared in court.
Hofschneider filed a $1.75 million lawsuit against MPLA and its then board chair Ana Demapan-Castro for his alleged illegal termination.
In July 2005, Govendo ruled that the termination of Hofschneider violated the Open Government Meetings and Records Act. A settlement was reached in the case.
