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Senate overrides Fitial’s veto on bill for DPL deputy secretary
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Posted on Aug 24 2008
The Senate has overrode Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s rejection on legislation that proposes to establish a deputy secretary for the Department of Public Lands on Rota, Tinian, and Aguiguan.
Sen. Maria Frica Pangelinan told Saipan Tribune that on Friday they overrode Fitial’s veto on Senate Bill 16-16 that would give the mayors of Rota and Tinian the authority to appoint a deputy secretary for DPL.
“Currently, they have a resident department head. The bill will replace the title of resident department head to deputy secretary,” Pangelinan said.
Fitial recently informed Senate President Pete P. Reyes and Speaker Arnold I. Palacios that he disapproved the legislation.
The governor said he believes that the intent of the bill may already be addressed in Public Law 16-8.
“I believe that certain provisions of the bill may conflict with our Constitution and the efficient administration of public lands under the executive branch,” the governor said.
According to the legislation, a provision of the NMI Constitution mandates Executive Branch department public services be provided by a resident department head in First and Second Senatorial Districts.
