Flashback April 24, 2000-2002

[B]APRIL 24, 2000

U.S. auditors to probe Saipan seaport scandal[/B]

Federal auditors are expected to begin a thorough investigation into the financial controversy surrounding the dredging and construction of the $43 million Saipan harbor which was completed April last year after almost six years since the project started. Ports Authority Board Chair Roman S. Palacios made the audit request to the Office of the Inspector General of the interior department following a recommendation by the Governor’s Transition Committee because of the increase in the project’s scope and cost.

[B]CUC wants gov’t to settle unpaid utility bills[/B]

Unable to collect payment from the government during the past few months, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has demanded at least $1.5 million each month to partly settle its huge debt representing unpaid utility bills since last year. The government-owned utility firm has been in talks with the Department of Finance for the last two weeks to try to negotiate a payment schedule to reduce arrears amounting to over $11 million, according to CUC Board Chair Jesus T. Guerrero.

[B]AGO wants public defender sanctioned[/B]

The Attorney General’s Office wants the Superior Court to sanction Assistant Public Defender Wesley Bogdan for alleged misrepresentation in seeking medical records of a sexual abuse victim which he planned to use in a case to defend his client. Mr. Bogdan is representing Irvin Dela Cruz Songao, who has been charged with three counts of sexual abuse of a child identified only as A.N. in June 1998. The conflict stemmed from the motion of Mr. Bogdan seeking a review of the victim’s medical record or mental evaluation to find out if A.N. was competent to testify in the case.

[B]APRIL 24, 2001

Garment firm seeks to collect over $56K[/B]

A Saipan garment manufacturing company has filed a civil court complaint against a security services agency for breach of contract and unjust enrichment in connection with the latter’s alleged failure to pay proper wages to its employees. Locally-based firm KGC International doing business as Villagomez Security Services allegedly failed to pay 14 of its employed security guards the proper overtime payments required under the CNMI and US minimum wage and overtime laws, according to plaintiff Hansae (Saipan) Inc.

[B]Got ‘fraudulent’ mail?[/B]

The Attorney General’s Office yesterday warned Northern Marianas residents against fraudulent telephone and mail sweepstakes promotions. Consumer counsel David Lochabay said AGO has been receiving reports of CNMI residents who have fallen prey to these fake trade promotions. These illegal activities come in many forms but Mr. Lochabay said some unsolicited material typically arrives by mail, informing the recipients they have won a prize which generally involves a large amount of money.

[B]Teno OKs funding for new Garapan koban[/B]

A temporary koban in the Garapan district is soon to rise with the recent passage of a bill appropriating some $105,000 for the safety enforcement project. The new law signed by Governor Pedro P. Tenorio last week also earmarks funds for the pavement and construction of a parking lot and restrooms at Obyan Beach.

[B]APRIL 24, 2002

DOLI to relax ATB regs US visa holders may be exempt[/B]

Foreign nationals who have U.S. visas need not secure an Authorization to Board letter from the Department of Labor and Immigration to come into the Commonwealth once an amendment to the ATB regulations is finally adopted. The proposed amendment also incorporates other provisions that would relax the strict requirement to secure an ATB.

[B]AGO: Budget cuts have to apply to all[/B]

The long and short of it is that, yes, the Governor has the authority to cut the budgetary allotments of other branches of government. However, such cuts have to be proportionately applied to all branches, departments and agencies. Thus ruled the Attorney General’s Office yesterday on the question whether the Governor has the constitutional authority to cut the third and fourth quarter allotments of the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and all other governmental agencies.

[B]…as MVA escapes the axe[/B]

Gov. Juan N. Babauta yesterday exempted the Marianas Visitors Authority from the 8-percent reduction in the quarterly allotment of all government agencies. The exemption was apparently made in efforts to allow the MVA to launch an intensive marketing and promotional activities, which are hoped to realize the Babauta Administration’s goal for one million tourists.