Legislature urged to amend ‘price freeze’ law

Gov. Eloy S. Inos is requesting leaders of the CNMI Legislature to hold an emergency joint session to amend an existing “price freeze” law.

Inos sent the request letter to Senate President Victor B. Hocog (Ind-Rota) and House Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) on Tuesday.

“In order to more effectively protect our residents from predatory pricing activities by merchants following Typhoon Soudelor, I respectfully request that you call an emergency joint session of the Commonwealth Legislature to amend the Disaster Price Freeze Act. At present the Disaster Price Freeze Act allows the governor to issue a price freeze for five days, and further allows one five-day extension,” Inos, in his letter, said.

According to Inos, a price freeze order was issued on Aug. 3, and was extended through Aug. 13.

“Price gouging has already been reported throughout the community. Without an amendment to the Act, I will be unable to extend this necessary protection for our community through the duration of our recovery efforts,” he said.

In an interview, the House speaker confirmed that members of the CNMI House of Representatives are looking to pass emergency bills that the government might need in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.

Deleon Guerrero said one of the bills the Legislature is looking to pass is an amendment to the law mentioned by the governor.

“We received a proposal from the attorney general on this amendment,” Deleon Guerrero said.

According to the lawmaker, the CNMI law on anti-price gouging mandates prices of commodities to be “frozen” for four or five days after a declaration of emergency.

“But the AG is recommending that this be extended for the duration of the disaster declaration,” Deleon Guerrero said.

He said a House session will be scheduled soon. However, the Legislature might need to find an alternative venue, since Capital Hill remains without power.

Deleon Guerrero said he has instructed legislative staff to look for a facility or a government office, or even a place to rent to conduct the session.

He said he will meet with Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on other emergency bills the CNMI government might need.

Deleon Guerrero hinted of a sense of urgency at the Legislature, because aside from the emergency bills, the government’s budget bill also needs to be passed.

“The CNMI Constitution says we need to pass that bill by Sept. 30. We do not have too much time on the budget,” he said.

Sept. 30 is the end of fiscal year 2015 for the CNMI government. The budget remains pending at the Senate.

“The passing of the budget is not suspended because of a disaster, so we have to act on it,” Deleon Guerrero said.

Community work

The House speaker also said his colleagues at the House and their staff have been conducting cleanup activities and helping out in their respective precincts.

“I cannot give them orders. But as of this morning, some staff have been helping distribute tents to communities,” he said.

On his social media page, Rep. Edwin K. Propsts (Ind-Saipan) shared items that families in shelters need.

According to the minority lawmaker, these items include cots, futons, beddings, linen, pillows, mosquito repellent, hygiene items, books for adults and kids, cards, board games, sports equipment, games or toys for kids.

Propst said donors can drop these items at the Public School System for distribution. He said he can also be reached at 287-7883 if donors would like the items to be picked up and dropped off.