Judiciary pays tribute to ‘remarkable man, leader in justice’

The emotional yet solemn ceremony was attended by all judges and justices, along with courts’ staff. U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona and Guam Superior Court Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos joined Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota), Cabinet members, lawmakers, and retired justices and judges at the service.

Lawyers, community leaders, and friends also came to the jampacked courtroom to express their condolences to the late chief justice’s wife, Frances, their five children-Mike, Patrick, Frannie, Soli and Michaela-and Demapan’s siblings.

Federal, local, and visiting public officials also presented condolence gifts to Demapan’s family.

Associate Justice John A. Manglona said that Demapan’s dedication to justice cannot be overstated.

“He was a selfless, remarkable man. The Court over which he presided and our islands which he served were improved and enriched by his life of service, and the Judiciary and the Commonwealth will not be the same without him,” Manglona said.

In deciding cases, Manglona said, there was never a moment in the discussion where Demapan was offended by the different viewpoints or positions they took.

“There was genuine respect in how each one of us interpreted the law. In his heart and mind Chief Justice Demapan always strove to do justice-to do what is right for the people of the Commonwealth,” Manglona said.

Manglona, Demapan, and associate justice Alexandro Castro worked together for over 11 years at the Supreme Court, making them the longest serving panel in the Commonwealth Judiciary’s history.

Manglona said his relationship with Demapan and Castro was always that of mutual friendliness and respect, both in and out of the courtroom.

“Chief Justice Demapan was not autocratic. He always listened, and I never saw him show inattention. We treated each other with great respect and we all shared our views with candor,” he added.

For Associate Justice Castro, Demapan was not only a dedicated public servant but also a family-oriented individual.

Castro said between the two of them, they simply called each other “Par,” short for the Chamorro word kompaire.” Castro and his wife are godparents of Michaela, one of Demapan and Frances’ children.

Castro said they talked about the possibility of opening a private practice at the end of their initial term. Before their initial term expired, however, Castro said his Par told him he was going to run for retention and serve another term on the bench.

When Castro reminded him of their plan to go back to private practice, Demapan replied, “I must give back to the community for the scholarship I was awarded while in college.”

Castro said that Demapan was a true guardian of the rule of law until the day his health prevented him from continuing. “I am extremely proud to have worked under him,” Castro added.

Retired chief justice Jose S. Dela Cruz said that Demapan’s lasting legacy was the pivotal role he played in strengthening the rule of law in the Commonwealth.

“He ably led the CNMI Judiciary for so many years in shaping the rule of law in the CNMI for years to come. It is this legacy-a legacy of justice and fairness-that we can all truly be proud of,” Dela Cruz said.

The retired chief justice said that Demapan served the Commonwealth with distinction and honor on the bench-as a trial judge and, later, as an appellate jurist.

“His unbending resolve to dispense justice fairly, impartially, and without fear of public criticism has always guided him on and off the bench,” Dela Cruz said.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja said that Demapan will be sorely missed and joyfully be remembered.

“A simple man you are, yet your visions and policies now in place provide the foundation as well as the course and direction for this Judiciary to continue to advance,” Naraja said.

“As a leader in justice, an inspiration for the community, a beloved friend, a caring husband, and a giving father. Our warmest thoughts and prayers be with you. We bid you farewell yan adios,” Naraja said.

Demapan, who had undergone surgeries for colon cancer, passed away last Saturday, June 30, at the Commonwealth Health Center. He was 59.

Demapan served as the third chief justice of the CNMI Supreme Court.

He will be buried on Monday, July 9, at the Chalan Kanoa cemetery, immediately after a Mass at 11am at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral.

By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter