Sablan to GOP: The governor, too, deserves due process

The CNMI Republican Party remains steadfast in its support of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, saying in a statement that the new year signals optimism for the Northern Marianas’ growth and success, and accusing the opposition of making “baseless claims” against the governor.

In response, Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan), who is a member of the minority bloc, said the opposition lawmakers are just doing their job when they called for an investigation into allegations of public corruption.

CNMI Republican Party president James Ada said the party, with its leadership, members, and supporters, stand behind the governor “against the baseless attacks he has received over the course of the last trying months.”

According to Ada, the CNMI economy has grown, jobs have increased, and more opportunities and public services have been provided to the community—all under the Republican leadership.

Ada claimed that the minority bloc in the Legislature has only brought “division and lies,” and that, “still reeling from a devastating loss in the last election, have put forward positions that are disrespectful to our voters and our democratic system.”

He added that any suggestion of impeachment of the governor is “simply political maneuvering,” that no infraction known to them has risen to the level of impeachment, and that the party stands firm in its position that “any petty attempt at further action by the shrinking minority will not be entertained.”

Sablan pointed out that the minority’s move to call for a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of public corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse of public funds by the governor is just part of their job.

“If we were to ignore all the mounting allegations and the pleas of our constituents to do our jobs and open an inquiry, would that be respectful in your view, to our voters and democratic system?” Sablan asked. “In the eyes of the GOP, is it disrespectful to uphold our laws? Is our demand for transparency and accountability disrespectful?”

Sablan acknowledged that it is the CNMI Republican Party’s prerogative to stand behind the governor, but accusing the minority lawmakers of creating division and spreading lies and saying that the Republicans in the Legislature will not entertain further action in an inquiry on issues concerning the governor should provoke a response, such as public outrage.

“Stand behind whomever you choose, but please don’t stand in the way of ongoing investigations. That’s called obstruction. Our people deserve truth and accountability. The governor, too, deserves due process,” Sablan added.