Chief Justice Demapan resigns

After almost two decades of serving the Commonwealth Judiciary, Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan has resigned, citing health reasons. His resignation is effective Sept. 30.

“It is with a heavy heart that I submit this letter of resignation. .Regrettably, personal health concerns compel me to step down.so that I can focus on my family and on my health,” Demapan told Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in a letter that he personally handed to the islands’ chief executive officer yesterday.

Despite his departure, Demapan said he is confident that the Judiciary remains in capable hands and that the governor will choose an excellent successor for the position.

Demapan is the third chief justice of the Commonwealth Supreme Court. He served on the bench for more than 12 years.

In a separate statement, Demapan said he will always be proud of what he has done for the Commonwealth as its chief justice.

“I believe that no secular calling is higher than to sit in judgment over disputes brought by the people in their public courts for resolution. I hope that my tenure as chief justice has been worthy of the high standard set by my predecessors. I will always be proud of the Supreme Court of the Northern Marianas and its accomplishments during my tenure. The record will reflect the work done to improve the Judiciary and our efforts to provide more access to our justice system,” he said.

Fitial spokesman, Angel Demapan, said that the chief justice’s service will always be remembered.

“While Gov. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Inos are saddened to see Chief Justice Demapan leave the CNMI Supreme Court, both fully understand and support the chief justice as his decision was driven by personal health concerns and his desire to spend more time with his loving family. Nonetheless, his service to the Commonwealth will always be remembered,” Angel Demapan said.

Quoting Fitial, Angel Demapan said that Chief Justice Demapan will always be remembered as a “major instrument in the vast improvements undertaken by the judicial branch over the course of the past several years.”

In a statement yesterday, Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos said: “[Chief Justice Demapan] has enriched the lives of everyone at the court through his intellect, independence, and his friendship. I’m sure he will be missed very much by everyone at both the Superior and Supreme courts. We also owe a great deal of respect and appreciation to his wife Frances and their children, for their support and love during his term on the bench.”

‘We will always be grateful’

Director of Courts Tracy M. Guerrero said it has been an honor for her to work with Demapan. “He has provided me with many opportunities for learning and growth, including nominating me for the 2010 Toll Fellows, for which I will be always grateful.”

Associate Justice John A. Manglona said, “Chief Justice Demapan led the Commonwealth Judiciary during its most critical periods and managed to direct its course despite limited resources. The Chief Justice, Justice Castro and I served together for over 11 years. He has been an integral part of the Supreme Court, and I will miss his collegiality.”

For Jennifer Dockter, the Supreme Court Clerk of Court, “filling the shoes of Chief Justice Demapan will be an impossible task. His contribution to the Judiciary will be greatly missed and we all wish him and his family the very best.”

‘Track record’

Demapan is one of nine children, born and raised on Saipan. He graduated class valedictorian of Marianas High School in 1971. Originally interested in pursuing a medical career, he attended Seattle University in Washington under a Trust Territory scholarship. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1975. He then earned a master’s degree in Business Administration with honors from Golden Gate University in San Francisco in 1983. He settled on a career in law after earning his juris doctor from Santa Clara University in California in 1985. In May of 2005, he received a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Guam.

Upon his return to Saipan, Demapan began as general counsel for J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, Inc. He then opened a solo private practice. A few years later, the law offices of Demapan and Atalig were representing major business and local clients. Also during his private practice, Demapan served as a member of the CNMI Tax Task Force.

The chief justice joined the judiciary in November 1992, when he was appointed to the Commonwealth Superior Court as an associate judge. In July 1998, then governor Pedro P. Tenorio appointed him to the Commonwealth Supreme Court, and a year later, he was sworn in as chief justice.

Demapan’s leadership saw the publication of the first ever judicial history of the Commonwealth, the formation of the Judicial Council that he chaired, implementation of the electronic filing system at the Superior and Supreme courts, and construction of the courthouse on Rota. He also served as the president of the Pacific Judicial Council.

He has also served as chairman of Commonwealth Law Revision Commission; chairman, Criminal Justice Planning Agency Supervisory Council; judge pro tem in both the Guam Supreme Court and Superior Court; president, Pacific Judicial Council (2000-2002) and (2008-present); member, Conference of Chief Justices (USA); board of directors, U.S. Conference of Chief Justices (2002-2003); chairman, Resolutions Committee, U.S. Conference of Chief Justices (former); member, Asia Pacific Conference of Chief Justices; member, CNMI Federal Bench Council; and member, World Jurist Association.